Higginbotham Elevates Andrew Reutter to Newly Created CFO and COO Role

Higginbotham Appoints Andrew Reutter as CFO/COO

In a strategic maneuver to boost operational excellence, Higginbotham, a leading employee-owned firm based in Texas offering insurance, financial, and HR services, has named Andrew Reutter as its Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. This dual role has been newly created, reflecting the firm's commitment to invest in top talent to navigate its next phase of growth.

Reutter's appointment is a pivotal moment, signaling Higginbotham's intent to refine its operational and financial frameworks. The company's Chairman and CEO, Rusty Reid, emphasized the significance of focusing on skilled individuals in pivotal roles to nurture a robust organizational culture and foster strong partnerships.

Before joining Higginbotham directly, Reutter served on the board as a representative from Stone Point Capital, where he cultivated extensive experience in the capital markets division. His previous role allowed him to gain an in-depth understanding of Higginbotham’s financial strategies and operational frameworks, preparing him to take on the challenges of this new position.

Reutter articulated the essence of his vision for Higginbotham, stating that the company is at a unique stage of evolution. He referred to this phase as 'Higg 3.0,' wherein the focus will shift to augmenting the team and fortifying operational practices while ensuring continued growth and cultural integrity. He noted that earlier stages involved building the employee ownership model and expanding through strategic partnerships and mergers, while now the emphasis will be on enhancing internal capacities.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Reutter shared, "My time with Stone Point has been rewarding, but joining Higginbotham at this crucial time feels like a natural progression. I have developed a profound respect for the business and its potential, and I'm eager to contribute more significantly."

In his new role, Reutter will concentrate on financial management and operational strategies aimed at improving efficiency without disrupting the firm's unique culture. He aims to streamline processes, enhance relationships, and utilize advanced tools such as AI and automation to empower the workforce.

Reutter also pointed out the firm's employee ownership model as a distinctive strength that cultivates alignment and accountability. He believes that having employees with a tangible stake in the company's success fosters collaboration and motivation that is uncommon in the industry. "The synergy created when those who support the business daily are significant stakeholders is incredibly motivating," he stated.

The strategic leadership overhaul is designed to meet the growing complexity of Higginbotham's operations. As the company approaches a milestone of one billion dollars in revenue, it is essential to build a leadership structure that can support ongoing developments while anticipating future demands. Reid noted the need for significant talent investment, reinforcing that strengthening the organization's foundation is crucial as they transition into this new era.

Founded in 1948, Higginbotham has established a notable reputation as the 19th largest independent insurance brokerage in the United States by revenue, as reported by Business Insurance. The company's commitment to delivering tailored solutions to clients has earned it a strong foothold in the insurance landscape, serving both businesses and individuals nationwide.

As Higginbotham embarks on this new chapter under Reutter's leadership, the focus remains on building a strong foundation for the future, cultivating its existing employee-owned model, and expanding service offerings while maintaining a commitment to integrity and excellence.