Risk Strategies replaces CEO; founder moves to executive chairman role

US insurance brokerage and risk management firm Risk Strategies has appointed its president John Mina as new chief executive officer (CEO).

Mina will succeed Michael Christian, the company's founder and long-time CEO, who will move to the executive chairman role.

Mina has worked in the insurance industry for his entire 30-year career and joined Risk Strategies in April of 2017 from Willis Towers Watson, where he was head of corporate risk and broking, Atlantic South Region.

As CEO, Mina he will be responsible for setting the strategic direction of the company and working as a senior advisor to the leadership team while managing the day-to-day operations. In addition, he’ll support the needs of clients, employees, investors and trading partners.

Risk Strategies said under the new leadership the company will focus on a variety of growth opportunities, including continuing its merger and acquisition activity, recruitment of key professionals, and the ongoing build-out and deepening of its specialty practices.

Meanwhile, Christian, who founded Risk Strategies in 1997, will continue to be actively involved in guiding the strategic direction of the company. He will concentrate on client experience and broader growth initiatives, support M&A activities, focus on the refinement of specialty value propositions, and serve as senior advisor to the executive team.

“I’m excited for John to assume this new role,” said Christian. “Since joining the company, he has quickly demonstrated he has the right vision, skill set and experience to ensure the firm’s continued success as we move into our next chapter as a leading national brokerage firm.”

Mina said: “Mike’s original vision for Risk Strategies has clearly met its moment. Clients today require advice as well as policy placement. They look to their broker for focused, expert insight that removes uncertainty and reduces their overall cost of risk. With the right vision and core team in place, I’m excited to lead the firm into a dynamic future.”

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