Woodruff Sawyer (“Woodruff Sawyer” or “the Firm”) today announced that Charlie Rosson will step down as Chief Executive Officer, effective December 31, 2016, facilitating an orderly leadership transition over the next several months.
Woodruff Sawyer’s Board of Directors has formed a search committee to identify Mr. Rosson’s successor. The search process, which is already under way, will focus on internal candidates. The Board has established an Office of the Chair, composed of Chairman Stan Loar and Directors Kristine Furrer and Chuck Shoemaker, to work with Mr. Rosson to ensure a smooth transition. The Board also created Vice Chair positions and elected Ms. Furrer and Mr. Shoemaker to those roles.
“Charlie has been a strong and effective leader, only Woodruff Sawyer’s fifth CEO in our nearly 100-year history,” said Mr. Loar. “Under Charlie’s stewardship, we achieved remarkable growth, with annual revenues nearly doubling. His keen intellect and strategic vision enabled us to successfully enter new practice areas, expand our geographic reach and maintain our reputation for delivering highly valued services and counsel. Woodruff Sawyer is in the ideal position as we look to our second century of operations and identify additional ways to create value for our clients and employees.”
“It has been a privilege to lead Woodruff Sawyer and to work alongside the most talented professionals in our industry,” said Mr. Rosson. “I am proud of what we have accomplished and believe now is the right time to identify a new leader to build on our momentum and carry the Firm into the next phase of growth. Woodruff Sawyer is a great company, with an unmatched culture of integrity, transparency and customer service. I am confident that its future remains incredibly bright. I look forward to working closely with Stan, Kristy and Chuck to carry out a seamless transition.”
Mr. Rosson joined Woodruff Sawyer in 2004 as Employee Benefits Practice Leader, before being named CEO in 2008. A 23-year veteran of the insurance industry, he is the immediate past Chairman of Assurex Global, the world’s largest independent insurance brokerage network.
About Woodruff Sawyer
As one of the largest independent insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the US, Woodruff Sawyer protects the people and assets of more than 4,000 companies. We provide expert counsel and fierce advocacy to protect clients against their most critical risks in property & casualty, management liability, cyber liability, employee benefits, and personal wealth management. An active partner of Assurex Global and International Benefits Network, we provide expertise and customized solutions where clients need it, with headquarters in San Francisco, offices throughout the US, and global reach on six continents. For more information, call 844.972.6326, or visit woodruffsawyer.com.
