In addition, the company elevated long-time executive Kurt Meister to the role of senior vice president, business development manager. Meister previously served as senior vice president and national sales manager with the Specialty division of Distinguished Programs.
“Mark and Kurt each bring more than 30 years of insurance industry and program expertise to their new roles,” explained Andy Potash, founder and CEO. “By moving these two outstanding professionals into positions of greater authority and leadership, we will be better positioned to meet our strategic goal of expanding our sales team and our company’s market share.”
Kissick will be charged with transforming the sales team to be a single point of contact for all brokers, within refined territories, as well as leading the expansion of the company’s sales team nationally and expanding market coverage. He will report directly to Potash.
“Distinguished Programs is meeting the insurance needs of a range of market areas and industries, and we’re continuing to grow. Making sure brokers have knowledge of and access to our insurance products is my primary mission,” explained Kissick. “There is enormous potential for a well-trained, expanded sales team. My focus will be to nurture our sales team growth, deepen our client relationships, identify market opportunities and streamline the points of contact for our broker customers in an effort to meet our market partners where they are and expand our book of business in the process.”
Prior to leading American Hole ‘n One, Kissick served as president of York Programs and senior vice president at York Risk Services Group. He also held senior management and executive positions with a national underwriter and financial services company and two of its subsidiaries prior to his work with York.
Assisting Kissick, Meister will help build and manage the national sales team for all Distinguished Programs insurance products, assisting in the improvement of broker efficiency and higher retention rates.
Leading the hospitality program and serving as marketing director of Distinguished Programs, Meister has been with the company since 2013. Before that he was vice president of Hospitality for National Specialty Underwriters, and previously served as senior vice president of Aon for 18 years.
About Distinguished Programs
Distinguished Programs is a leading national insurance Program Manager providing specialized insurance programs to brokers and agents with specific expertise in Real Estate, Community Associations, Cultural & Historic Properties and Hospitality & Restaurants. Property and liability products are distributed through a national network of agents and brokers. Serving the same core markets and partnering with the most stable and reputable carriers, Distinguished Programs’ high limit umbrella programs remain the clear choice in its areas of specialty for superior coverage, competitive pricing, and attentive service. Through thoughtful innovation, stemming back to 1987, Distinguished Programs fosters growth and opportunities for its brokers, carriers, and employees. www.distinguished.com.