Insurance firm woos financial services official to run division

TAMPA — BRP Group Inc., a growing Tampa-based insurance distribution and related services firm, has named David Smith to be the president and Executive Operating Officer of its Guided Solutions division.

In his new role, which took effect last week, Smith will “create (an) alignment of processes, technologies and brand” and work to further scale the company’s sheltered distribution strategies.

Guided Solutions comprises BRP Group’s MainStreet and Medicare operating groups and works to provide solutions for clients at every stage of their life, according to a company press release.

“David brings a fresh perspective and tremendous experience in innovating the financial services space,” says Trevor Baldwin, BRP Group’s CEO, in a prepared statement.

“This area of our business is driven by local experts, inspired by technology, and built through strategic partnerships. We believe David’s industry relationships, experience implementing progressive technologies, and passion for client experience will propel our Guided Solutions strategies into the future.”

Baldwin adds that Smith “exemplifies our people-first approach and has a proven history of building dynamic teams in a high-growth environment.”

Smith joins BRP Group from Cardinal Financial, where he worked as COO.

At BRP Group, Smith will be charged with the goal of “transforming Guided Solutions into the nation’s preeminent resource for personal insurance, small business insurance, and Medicare services,” the company says, in its statement.

He will also work to drive technology enhancements and new proprietary products, the company notes.

“The opportunity to join such a dynamic leadership team is truly humbling,” Smith says, in the statement.

BRP Group has grown by “taking a holistic and tailored approach to risk management, insurance and employee benefits,” the company says. In all, it represents over 500,000 clients across the U.S. and internationally.

Smith’s hiring comes on the heels of some other key personnel moves within BRP Group. Earlier this month, the publicly traded firm promoted a trio of executives to new roles.  BRP Group Chief Financial Officer Kris Wiebeck is being promoted to a newly created role of Chief Strategy Officer; Brad Hale is being promoted from his current role as Chief Accounting Officer to CFO, replacing Wiebeck; and Corbyn Galloway is being promoted to Chief Accounting Officer.