Mutual Insurer Group NAMIC Names Merchants Mutual’s Zak as Chair

The National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies welcomed its new chairman – Robert Zak, president and chief executive officer of Merchants Mutual Insurance Co. – this week during its all-virtual 125th annual convention.

Zak, a 35-year mutual insurance industry veteran, told members he credits his success to his life philosophy of doing his best at what he can control and working to mitigate the adverse impacts of the things he cannot. That philosophy led him to create his own guidelines to life, which he shared with the virtual convention audience.

Zak is retiring from Merchants Mutual this fall. During the next 12 months, Zak will serve as a leading spokesperson for NAMIC when called on to meet with legislators, regulators, members and other industry stakeholders.

NAMIC is in the process of hiring a new chief executive officer as Charles Chamness is retiring from the CEO post he has held for nearly 17 years. Chamness announced his plan to retire at least year’s NAMIC convention.

Zajk has headed the committee working with search firm Stuart Spencer on finding a successor. The group said it will announce its new CEO in 2021.

Zak succeeds Randall K. Druvenga, president,First Maxfield Mutual Insurance Association, as NAMIC chair.

Topics Carriers