SUNUP Insurance Services, a general lines insurance agency in Bermuda Run, NC, has appointed a new president and chief operating officer to lead the business.
Jim Westerman CLU, ChFC has been selected to fill the positions. He will work closely with the SUNUP team to expand the agency’s distribution footprint across the US market via recruiting agents, agency developers, and regional presidents, as well as in creating strategies to drive the growth of the organization, a release said.
Westerman recently retired from the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies after 35 years of service. He held 18 different positions at Farmers, including state executive director for Oklahoma, SVP sales in home office, SVP field operations for the Eastern zone, SVP field operations for the Pacific zone, and, most recently, head of commercial sales.
“I am extremely excited to join SUNUP, a company that is creating a culture that puts the agents first, recognizing that sales are the lifeblood of any organization,” said Westerman in a statement. “I value the relationships I have built with many agents and field leaders during my time in the industry and look forward to working with the SUNUP team to help our agents take advantage of our unique platform of products, services and support to achieve their personal and professional goals.”
“We are excited to have Jim as a key member of our executive team. We have a broad vision for SUNUP as it relates to growth and most importantly providing an environment that will allow agents to be successful personally and professionally,” commented SUNUP CEO Todd Swicegood.
Westerman is a graduate of the University of Kansas, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He earned his Chartered Life Underwriter and Chartered Financial Consultant designations from the American College.
