Assurant acquired American Financial & Automotive Services in the Spring of 2020 and has leveraged the best products and practices of both organizations to create one team to service dealer clients
NEW YORK, Feb. 3, 2022 – Assurant, Inc. (NYSE:
AIZ), a global provider of lifestyle and housing solutions that support, protect, and connect major consumer purchases like automobiles, today announced that it has combined American Financial & Automotive Services (AFAS), its 2020 acquisition,
and its Assurant Dealer Services team into one premier dealership development organization. This alignment brings the leading products, services, training, customer support, and teams from two experienced organizations together, now operating as Assurant
Dealer Services.
“Our acquisition of AFAS in 2020 underscored our confidence in the long-term growth potential of the global automotive market,” said John Laudenslager, Assurant president, U.S. Automotive . “Over the last 18 months, we have spent time strategically combining the
best of AFAS with the best of Assurant to create an unmatched service offering for the dealer community, now operating as one Assurant.”
To support these changes, Assurant has elevated its deep bench of industry talent to fill key roles, beginning with Jeff Strickland, who has been tapped to lead the Assurant Dealer Services channel as senior vice president. Strickland joined Assurant
in 2019 as vice president of Strategic Accounts, which will remain under his purview. Dealer Strategic Accounts will be led by senior vice president Ash Bauer, who will also be responsible for Assurant’s participation programs. The leadership
team also includes national vice presidents of sales Dennis Alexander and Joe Amendola. Sean Browning will serve as national vice president of Development, overseeing the Automotive Training Academy by Assurant, along with promoting consistent processes
across the organization.
“The new Assurant Dealer Services is a client centric organization that brings together two industry leaders to better serve our dealer clients,” said Strickland. “From our suite of new products, the award-winning Automotive Training
Academy by Assurant, to our full range of participation programs, we’ve focused in on what dealers need and want to help them optimize performance and maximize profits in any market.”
“Dealers are making critical decisions every day as their businesses evolves,” added Laudenslager. “The Assurant Dealer Services team will give our U.S. clients support and analysis to navigate through decisions that will be critical
to their growth not only today, but for years to come.”
For more information, visit Assurant Dealer Services.
About Assurant Global Automotive
Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) is a leading global solutions provider in the automobile industry for manufacturers, large group and independent dealers, agents, third-party administrators,
financial institutions, insurance providers, and vehicle technology companies. Assurant Global Automotive helps drivers protect their vehicles and avoid costly repair. With over 50 years of industry experience, Assurant is trusted by and works with
nine of the top ten global automotive manufacturers serving over 50 million consumers in 17 countries. Providing innovative solutions like vehicle service contracts, performance management and training, participation options, ancillary products, guaranteed
asset protection, and more, Assurant Global Automotive helps clients grow and thrive.
About Assurant
Assurant, Inc. (NYSE: AIZ) is a leading global provider of lifestyle and housing solutions that support, protect and connect major consumer purchases. Anticipating the evolving needs of consumers,
Assurant partners with the world’s leading brands to develop innovative products and services and to deliver an enhanced customer experience. A Fortune 500 company with a presence in 21 countries, Assurant offers mobile device solutions; extended
service contracts; vehicle protection services; pre-funded funeral insurance; renters insurance and lender-placed homeowners insurance. The Assurant Foundation strengthens communities by supporting charitable partners that help protect where people
live and can thrive, connect with local resources, inspire inclusion and prepare leaders of the future.
Learn more at assurant.com or on Twitter
@AssurantNews.
Media Contacts:
Andrew DeChellis
(305) 253-2244 x 4035083
[email protected]