January 12, 2024
Foresters Financial Appoints Matt Berman as Chief Executive Officer
(Toronto, ON, January 12, 2024) – Dan Fortin, Foresters Financial Chair of the Board, announced today the appointment of Matt Berman as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Mr. Berman was named President of Foresters Financial US and Canada in March 2023. Earlier, he served as President, Foresters Financial US and, prior to that, as Chief Distribution Officer and President of the insurer’s former subsidiary, Foresters Life Insurance and Annuity Company (FLIAC).
Speaking on Mr. Berman’s appointment, Mr. Fortin said, “On behalf of the Board of Directors, I’d like to congratulate Matt on this well-earned appointment. We have the utmost confidence in Matt’s leadership – he has a deep understanding of our organization, values, and the ever-changing dynamics of our industry. Matt has accomplished a great deal during his tenure at Foresters; his contributions and guidance will continue to be invaluable to our future success. As Foresters celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, Matt will usher in a new era of innovation in the solutions we provide to our members and the advisors who serve them.
The Board would also like to thank René Zanin for his contributions as Foresters Interim President and Chief Executive Officer. René is a key member of our executive team, and we commend him for seamlessly leading the organization during this transition period.”
Mr. Zanin will assume his previous responsibilities leading Foresters Legal and Compliance teams, while assuming additional responsibilities overseeing Member Experience, Engagement, Governance and Development. His new title is Global Chief Legal, Compliance and Membership Officer.
“It is my distinct honor to be named Foresters Chief Executive Officer,” said Mr. Berman. “I would like to thank the Board for their vote of confidence; I am truly humbled and grateful. It’s incredibly rewarding to lead an organization that not only provides a pivotal service to families but also boasts such a rich culture, purpose and lasting impact within our communities. I am excited about our future as we continue to focus on exceptional experiences for our members and their advisors.”
Mr. Berman has played a pivotal role advancing strategic initiatives in both the US and Canadian markets, spearheading the transformation of Foresters distribution channels, product portfolio, operations and underwriting. His notable achievements include new agent-intermediated and direct-to-consumer sales partnerships, diversifying the product portfolio and a relentless commitment to enhancing the digital customer journey. Mr. Berman also championed a culture of well-being by introducing first-in-market products and member benefits protecting individuals living with diabetes. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Berman has been essential in fortifying the Foresters brand, implementing internal controls and fostering a culture of innovation.
Mr. Berman joined Foresters Financial in February 2017 and has 30 years of experience leading strategic planning, distribution and product management in both the property and casualty and life and savings insurance sectors, most notably with AXA, AIG and Zurich Insurance.
Mr. Berman holds a Master of Business Administration from New York University, Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Pennsylvania.
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About Foresters Financial
Financial security and living your purpose
Foresters Financial has helped people protect their family’s financial future for 150 years. But we’ve also gone beyond that, giving our members opportunities to do more for their health, communities and the causes they care about most. Foresters is an intrinsically purpose-driven organisation working to enrich family and community well-being. Alongside offering life insurance and savings solutions in the UK and life insurance in the US and Canada, Foresters partners with members to help them do more of the good they want to do. We’ve been a dedicated group of community builders since 1874 and today, sustainability, environmental consciousness and social responsibility are central to delivering our purpose.
That commitment has continually led us to provide meaningful lifelong benefits1 to our members, like Foresters Care grants that bring communities together, Competitive Scholarships2 to help create a brighter future for young leaders and others that support a world where more good happens. Together, we’re making a difference while inspiring others and new generations to give back.
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1 Description of member benefits that you may receive assumes you are a Foresters member. Members must be 18 years of age or older and must have an active Foresters Plan and maintain it in good standing. Foresters member benefits are non-contractual, subject to benefit specific eligibility requirements, definitions and limitations and may be changed or cancelled without notice.
2 The Competitive Scholarship benefit is administered by International Scholarship and Tuition Services, Inc. (ISTS).
Forester Life Limited is registered in England number 2997655. Forester Life Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Foresters Financial and Foresters are trade names and trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters (a fraternal benefit society, 789 Don Mills Rd, Toronto, ON, Canada M3C 1T9) and its subsidiaries. Registered Office: Foresters Financial, Foresters House, 2 Cromwell Avenue, Bromley BR2 9BF. Registered in England number FC2825. Branch No. BR723. For more information, please email myforesters@foresters.com
For more information contact:
Melanie Gaskin
Senior Manager, Communications, Foresters Financial