Acrisure recently named agency partner Gary Taffet, president of Reliance Insurance, to its National Employee Benefits Strategy Committee, where he will help shape the company’s employee benefits division.

“Simply put, we rely extensively on the expertise and insight of our Agency Partners to guide us in the development of innovative solutions that differentiate us in our markets and help fuel our growth,” Sozon Vatikiotis, Acrisure's executive vice president of employee benefits, said. “With over 20 years of experience in benefits consulting, with a focus around true cost-containment, Gary is a prominent thought leader, an entrepreneur himself and someone who has created success and critical knowledge in the benefits space that is very often difficult to find. Gary has and will continue to play a key role driving our future success and innovations."

Taffet founded Reliance Insurance in 2006 in New Jersey. He has served in an advisory capacity before, including for government agencies and private businesses.

"Employers can't underestimate the importance of benefits to their employees, but at the same time, costs remain a critical component of their efforts,” Taffet said. “Striking the right balance helps them retain top talent while keeping the business viable, which is especially important as employers continue to streamline the number of carriers they use."