Press
Trunzo Named President of CUNA Mutual Group Subsidiary
Jim Buchheim
608.665.6327
jim.buchheim@cunamutual.com
Rick Uhlmann
608.665.8940
rick.uhlmann@cunamutual.com
MADISON, Wis. – Robert N. Trunzo has been promoted to president of CMFG Life Insurance Company at CUNA Mutual Group, a role in which he is responsible for the products, distribution and service of the company’s U.S. credit union businesses as well as its 401(k) business.
In the new leadership position, CUNA Mutual Group’s Asset Accumulation and Retirement Services businesses now report to Trunzo, along with the company’s Information Technology area. With this promotion, Trunzo is now responsible for nearly 3,000 of the company’s 4,500 employees and approximately $2 billion of CUNA Mutual Group’s annual revenues.
His promotion follows a board of directors meeting in which the board sought to create a more effective, efficient and aligned organization after the departure last month of Kenn LaLonde. LaLonde, former executive vice president, left the company to become chief executive of another company.
“Since joining the company in 2005, Bob has built a strong leadership team and improved the products and services we deliver to credit unions and their members,” said Jeff Post, President & CEO of CUNA Mutual Holding Company, the parent of CMFG Life. “Bob is well suited to take on additional responsibilities to help us continue this momentum in our core businesses.”
Trunzo continues to report to Post. As part of the organizational change, Mike Connealy, President & CEO of ProAg, CUNA Mutual Group’s crop insurance subsidiary, now reports to Post as well.
Trunzo’s priorities are focused on the top three needs identified by credit unions: Lending, compliance and income.
“The credit union system has momentum. Member growth, improving ROAs and stronger capital have created a growing sense the system has weathered the economic storm,” Trunzo said. “The focus of the credit union business at CUNA Mutual Group is to help continue this momentum and prove to consumers that switching to a credit union was the right decision.”
Under Trunzo’s leadership, the company has added and expanded programs to support credit union lending, including the development of Smartphone Loans. In 2012, CUNA Mutual Group is on pace to generate more than $1 billion in loan volume for credit unions.
In addition, the company is aggressively expanding its consumer business to help credit unions grow income and membership under the newly launched TruStageTM brand. Through the TruStage brand, CUNA Mutual Group is aiming to grow its consumer insurance and investment business by expanding its awareness with the more than 95 million credit union members. The new brand also seeks to introduce non-members to credit unions.
Trunzo has held a variety of public and private sector leadership positions during his career. Previously at CUNA Mutual Group, he was executive vice president and chief operating officer.
He joined the company in 2005 after serving in a variety of insurance leadership roles. He also served as Secretary of Commerce under former Wisconsin Gov. and current U.S. Senate candidate Tommy Thompson. In addition, Trunzo served as chairman of Southeast Wisconsin Professional Baseball Park District, the board which oversaw the design, financing and construction of Miller Park, home of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Locally, Trunzo is the executive leader of CUNA Mutual Group’s United Way fundraising efforts. He also has served as a director on the Madison Chamber of Commerce Board.
An active member of the business community and insurance industry, Trunzo serves on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and is a member of the American Council of Life Insurers and is on that organization’s CEO Steering Committee on Retirement and Financial Security.
Trunzo is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and earned his law degree from Marquette University. He also completed the Management Executive Program at Northwestern University’s Kellogg Management Institute in 2011.
CUNA Mutual Group insurance, retirement and investment products provide financial security and protection to credit unions and their members worldwide. With more than 75 years of true market commitment, CUNA Mutual Group’s vision is unwavering: To be a trusted business partner who delivers service excellence through customer-focused products and market-driven insight. More information on the company is available on the company’s website at www.cunamutual.com.
CUNA Mutual Group is the marketing name for CUNA Mutual Holding Company, a mutual insurance holding company, its subsidiaries and affiliates. Life, accident, health and annuity insurance products are issued by CMFG Life Insurance Company. Property and casualty insurance products are issued by CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc. Each insurer is solely responsible for the financial obligations under the policies and contracts it issues. Corporate headquarters are located in Madison, Wis.