Smart Choice®, the fastest growing insurance network in the nation, is announcing changes to its executive leadership effective immediately. Eighteen-year company veteran Ashley Wingate has been promoted to executive vice president of sales and distribution.
“Paul Taylor has played a crucial role building this company for almost the entire history of Smart Choice. As he transitions to a full-time executive advisory role in the company, Ashley Wingate is the ideal executive to fill this leadership position,” said Andrew Caldwell, Smart Choice president. “Ashley has broad experience across the company from his beginnings as a territory manager, regional manager of the Smart Choice Agents Program then vice president of personal lines.”
“I’m truly honored with this opportunity as we continue our goal to bring profitability for carriers in this challenging hard market and work with our agency partners to find access,” said Ashley Wingate. “You will see us endeavor to add relationships, expand access across regions, and multiply coverage options for agencies.”
Additional promotions include Carol Drake, currently vice president of corporate strategy, being promoted to Ashley’s former role and named Senior Vice President, Personal Lines. “I’m very excited to work even more closely with the Smart Choice field leaders and carrier partners as we continue to navigate this hard market and position ourselves for even stronger profitable growth on the other side.”
Additional executive announcements and job title changes include:
- Oliver Travieso has been elevated to Senior Vice President, Commercial Lines
- David Wilson has been elevated to Senior Vice President, Specialty Markets