SPG Expands Leadership Team with Key Appointments in Life and Annuity Division

SPG Enhances Leadership Structure with New Roles in Life and Annuity Division

Specialty Program Group LLC (SPG), a notable player in the insurance brokerage industry, has recently made significant changes in its leadership team within the Life and Annuity division. Effective January 1, 2026, Gonzalo M. Garcia, CLU, will take on the newly established position of Chief Advanced Markets Officer. This vital transition marks an important step as SPG consolidates its life and annuity businesses into a unified platform that includes AgencyONE, Brokers' Service Marketing Group (BSMG), and Business Underwriters Associates (BUA), which is expected to be completed by March 2026.

In his new role, Garcia is set to spearhead advanced markets strategies and large-case life insurance initiatives across the division. With over 35 years of experience in advanced markets leadership, Garcia brings a reputation of respect and expertise to the position. His primary focus will be to enhance growth and expand high-level market capabilities by working closely with the life sales organization.

As Jason Lea, CEO of BSMG and the Life & Annuity division of SPG, expressed his enthusiasm, "Gonzalo is a universally respected leader in our industry. I am thrilled that he has agreed to take on this new challenge and help our entire life sales organization."

Garcia will retain his commitment to supporting advanced markets and large-case endeavors for AgencyONE. However, he will no longer be involved in day-to-day operational leadership or reporting functions, allowing him to focus on strategic growth and mentorship within advanced markets. He stated, "I am truly excited for this opportunity to lead our advanced markets platform and work side-by-side with our life sales team to grow our business."

Alongside Garcia’s appointment, Cathy Neifeld, JD, will step into the role of Managing Partner of AgencyONE. She will oversee daily operations while leading recruitment efforts and relationship management. Neifeld has an impressive history of over two decades in the insurance sector, having spent her entire career at both AgencyONE and Potomac Partners Group, which emphasizes her deep-rooted knowledge and industry connections.

Neifeld's leadership is characterized by her involvement with esteemed organizations, including The Forum 400, where she served as both President and Chairwoman, and Finseca, where she holds a position on the board. With her extensive experience focused on business development and advanced markets, she is well-equipped to steer AgencyONE in the right direction.

In their respective roles, both leaders are poised to significantly impact SPG's objectives moving forward, especially in enhancing growth strategies within the life insurance marketplace. Their combined experiences and leadership philosophies aim to drive SPG's ambitious goals and enhance value delivery to financial advisors and clients alike.

SPG itself is a distinguished organization headquartered in Chicago, IL, with a comprehensive portfolio that includes underwriting management, digital solutions, wholesale and specialty retail brokerage, and various insurance services. With a robust track record in scaling industry-leading businesses and providing access to a wealth of resources, technology, and market intelligence, SPG aims to support the growth of specialty business ventures effectively.

As Gonzalo and Cathy embark on their new leadership journeys, the insurance community is encouraged to celebrate these appointments as a step toward innovative growth and enhanced service provision in the evolving insurance landscape.