Overview
Responsibilities
The Vice President of Retail Distribution is responsible for leading GUARD's national retail agency distribution organization. This leader will oversee a regionalized field team of approximately 40 distribution professionals serving nearly 5,000 appointed agencies nationwide and will be accountable for strengthening agency partnerships, driving profitable growth, and advancing GUARD's retail distribution strategy. As a key member of GUARD's Distribution leadership team, the Vice President will work closely with leaders across Retail, Wholesale, Payroll, Distribution Enablement, and Marketing to support a coordinated approach to market growth, agency engagement, and business performance. Retail distribution has been the foundation of GUARD's growth since the company's founding in 1983 and remains the largest and most strategically important component of the distribution organization today. This role will build upon that legacy by ensuring GUARD remains a valued partner to independent agents while continuing to expand market presence and deliver strong business results. The ideal candidate will bring a proven track record of distribution leadership, agency relationship management, and team development, along with the ability to execute strategies that support long-term growth and profitability.
Responsibilities
- Lead GUARD's Retail Regional Distribution organization, providing strategic direction, guidance, and support to Regional AVPs and Directors across the country.
- Maintain a strong presence in the field, developing meaningful relationships with agency partners and key distribution stakeholders while driving profitable growth through agency development, sales execution, and market expansion efforts.
- Evaluate and optimize regional structure, territory alignment, and overall field effectiveness to ensure resources are aligned with business opportunities and growth objectives.
- Strengthen and expand relationships with agency partners at the national, regional, and local levels, serving as a trusted representative of GUARD in the marketplace.
- Partner with Product, Underwriting, Service, Marketing, and regional business leaders to develop and execute strategies that support profitable growth and deepen agency engagement.
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing distribution leadership team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and consistent execution across the organization.
- Identify market opportunities, emerging trends, and distribution challenges, providing recommendations that support long-term growth and competitive positioning.
- Work closely with senior leadership to ensure distribution strategies align with broader company objectives and business priorities.
- Establish performance expectations and monitor results to ensure distribution initiatives deliver measurable business outcomes.
Qualifications
- 15+ years of progressive leadership experience within retail agency distribution, with a demonstrated track record of leading large-scale field organizations and delivering profitable growth.
- Deep knowledge of the commercial insurance marketplace, including agency distribution models, carrier relationships, and market dynamics. Experience in small commercial insurance is preferred, or the ability to quickly develop expertise in GUARD's product appetite and target segments.
- Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with agency principals, producers, and key distribution partners at the national, regional, and local levels.
- Strong leadership and talent development skills, with experience coaching and developing high-performing teams and distribution leaders.
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization as well as with external partners.
- Demonstrated success developing and executing distribution strategies that drive agency engagement, market expansion, and profitable growth.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to assess market opportunities, competitive dynamics, and industry trends and translate insights into actionable strategies.
- Familiarity with evolving distribution technologies, digital tools, and market developments shaping the commercial insurance landscape.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the United States.
Salary Range
$180,000-$300,000.00 USD with performance-based bonus potential
In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws, this range represents a good‐faith estimate. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, credentials, geographic location, and other considerations permitted by law.
Work Authorization:
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship requirements.
Primary Locations:
This role may be based out of any of our office locations, including:
New York, NY; Parsippany, NJ; Philadelphia, PA; Conshohocken, PA; Wilkes‑Barre, PA; Alpharetta, GA; Rosemont, IL; Plano, TX; Scottsdale, AZ; and Rancho Cordova, CA.
