Foresters Financial, a life insurance company with a history spanning nearly 150 years, has appointed Matt Berman as its new president and chief executive officer. Berman replaces Rene Zanin, who had been serving as the interim president and CEO. Since joining Foresters Financial in 2017, Berman has played a significant role in the company's growth and development.
The origins of Foresters Financial trace back to the aftermath of San Francisco’s 1907 earthquake when it provided emergency assistance to customers who had lost their homes. Over time, the company has expanded its customer base to more than 2.8 million customers across Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, according to information available on the company’s website.
Dan Fortin, Foresters Financial Chair of the Board, expressed his confidence in Berman's leadership in a Jan. 12 news release. "On behalf of the Board of Directors, I'd like to congratulate Matt on this well-earned appointment," said Fortin. "We have the utmost confidence in Matt's leadership – he has a deep understanding of our organization, values, and the ever-changing dynamics of our industry."
Fortin went on to highlight Berman's accomplishments during his tenure at Foresters. "Matt has accomplished a great deal during his tenure at Foresters; his contributions and guidance will continue to be invaluable to our future success," he said.
Since joining Foresters Financial, Berman has worked tirelessly to advance strategic initiatives within the company. His efforts have led to new sales partnerships that were both agent-intermediated and direct-to-consumers. As a result of his work, there has been an increase in portfolio diversity along with enhanced internal controls and brand strengthening for the company.
Berman expressed gratitude for his appointment in a statement included in the news release. "It is my distinct honor to be named Foresters Chief Executive Officer," he said. "I would like to thank the Board for their vote of confidence; I am truly humbled and grateful. It's incredibly rewarding to lead an organization that not only provides a pivotal service to families but also boasts such a rich culture, purpose and lasting impact within our communities."