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The Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA, Des Moines), the world’s first accelerator focused solely on innovation for the insurance industry, has initiated a search for an individual to become the GIA’s next managing director, as current director Brian Hemesath is transitioning into a new role as alumni advocate and entrepreneur-in-residence (EIR).
Jeff Russell, President and CEO, Delta Dental and GIA Board Chairman.
“In the last four years, Brian Hemesath has taken the GIA from a concept and positioned us as a global leader, influencer, and developer of viable and innovative InsurTech companies,” comments Jeff Russell, president of Delta Dental of Iowa and board chair, GIA. “We are not necessarily looking for another Brian to step into the shoes of Managing Director, but motivated, dynamic individuals with startup technology experience would obviously be at the top of the GIA’s short list.”
The GIA reports that, effective immediately, it is seeking a full-time managing director who will work closely with the outgoing managing director for the 2019 cohort, taking full responsibility of the role after its conclusion. The new director will work closely with the GIA’s existing program manager and board. The GIA says that informal discussions with interested parties and more formal interviews leading up to a hiring decision will coincide with the application and selection process for the GIA’s fifth cohort taking place during Q4 of 2018.
Although the start date for this position is January 2, 2019, the individual selected to fill this role must be prepared to assume this leadership position without supervision on June 1, 2019, after a transition/training period with the existing managing director still in place, a GIA statement notes. “This new hire and an ongoing role for Brian Hemesath is part of a comprehensive transition and strategic planning process designed to promote continuity for the GIA, the annual 100-day accelerator program, and the GIA’s alumni, the statement says.
Brian Hemesath, Managing Director, GIA.
Alumni Advocate and Entrepreneur-in-Residence
With the appointment of a new director, Brian Hemesath will become alumni advocate and EIR, working in a support role for the GIA, according to the organization. With four cohorts successfully completed, the GIA portfolio of companies has grown substantially, and Hemesath’s own successful startup experience and direct relationships with former cohort teams makes him a natural fit for a role which will provide additional post-program education, coaching, and support, the GIA statement says.
“The time I’ve spent working with GIA cohort teams, helping them grow, expand skillsets and opportunities, and developing relationships has been extremely rewarding,” Hemesath comments. “This is an exciting evolution as it will allow me to focus solely on the needs of the portfolio as well as pursue my other entrepreneurial activities outside of the GIA.”
The GIA has posted the managing director job description on its website, along with details of how to apply.