Sept. 20, 2016
The Zebra Introduces Insurance Industry Executive Steve Beard As New VP of Sales Operations
Beard brings nearly 25 years of experience driving optimization and growth across various insurance distribution models at Esurance, Answer Financial, and Erie Insurance
AUSTIN, Texas — September 20, 2016 — The Zebra, the nation’s most visited car insurance comparison marketplace, today announced the addition of Steve Beard as the new Vice President of Sales Operations. Beard’s extensive experience leading agent teams and working with carriers to grow profitably will help propel The Zebra forward as a multi-channel insurance resource and destination for today’s consumers.
"The Zebra continues to fortify strong relationships with the nation's top insurance providers and to help our carrier partners drive profitable business within this new high-growth channel," CEO Adam Lyons said. “Steve brings an incredibly thorough and diverse understanding of insurance distribution to our team, which will be key as we expand into home insurance and other personal lines.”
Meet Steve Beard, Seasoned Leader in Insurance Sales & Carrier Relations
Beard joins The Zebra after directing carrier relations at Answer Financial, one of the largest independent agencies in the country, acquired by Allstate with Esurance in 2011.
Prior to that, Beard spent more than 10 years at Esurance, leading the direct sales team through a period of tremendous growth. Beard helped Esurance grow from a small, lesser-known tech disruptor to an online insurance powerhouse.
Beard began his career at Erie Insurance where he worked in marketing and territory sales for more than 12 years, and he has maintained his Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation for more than 20 years.
At The Zebra, Beard will manage and optimize key sales team operations, continue to develop carrier relationships, and explore new marketplaces as The Zebra’s brand and reach continue to grow within the $500 billion insurance industry.
“The Zebra already delivers a unique, multi-faceted path for insurance consumers with a straightforward quote comparison technology,” Beard said. “Our goal as a sales team is to be a resource for insight into the insurance shopping experience — an experience which has historically been confusing and stressful.”
Resources:
The Zebra Welcomes Brett Little, Former Travelocity and Match.com VP of Finance, to Executive Team
The Zebra Raises $17M Series A to Simplify Car Insurance Shopping
About The Zebra
The Zebra is the most comprehensive online car insurance comparison platform in the U.S. Since 2012, the company has sought to bring transparency and simplicity to car insurance shopping — “car insurance in black and white.” With The Zebra’s real-time, side-by-side quote comparison tool, drivers can identify insurance companies with the coverage, service level, and pricing to suit their unique needs. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, The Zebra compares over 200 car insurance companies and provides agent support and educational resources to ensure drivers are equipped to make the most informed decisions about their car insurance.
Contact:
Alyssa Connolly
The Zebra
Phone: 773.59.ZEBRA
press@thezebra.com
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