Michael Shunney Appointed as Chief Executive Officer of The Advocator Group, LLC

WAKEFIELD, Mass., March 17, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Advocator Group, LLC, a nationwide disability advocacy and disability insurance services organization, a wholly owned subsidiary of Brown & Brown, Inc. (NYSE:BRO), has appointed Michael Shunney as Chief Executive Officer.  Shunney, a business strategy leader and veteran of the insurance industry, has served as The Advocator Group’s President and Chief Operating Officer since he joined the company in March 2014.

Shunney has over 30 years of experience in executive roles in group insurance, with a focus on distribution and sales, value creation, M&A strategy and organizational development.  Shunney assumes this role from Julie Turpin, who has served as CEO since January 2014.

In his time with the organization, Shunney has led The Advocator Group in building strategy, executing for growth, managing customer relationships, enhancing company culture, and committing to talent development.  His leadership in process improvements, technology innovations, and service standards has led to exponential top-line growth for the company, while maintaining strong bottom-line results.

“I am incredibly excited about this new role and for the future of The Advocator Group. We have an exceptionally talented team focused on continuously strengthening the business, innovating our offerings, and unlocking future growth opportunities," notes Shunney. "When I joined The Advocator Group, I was moved by the company’s mission to guide people through a difficult time.  I felt compelled to be part of that admirable objective. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to build on the foundation created by Julie and our outstanding team."

Turpin commented, “It has been one of the greatest pleasures of my career to have had Mike by my side over the last six years, as we’ve focused on growing The Advocator Group. Mike is a tremendous business partner, with remarkable insights about the industry, tenacity for managing our operations, and talent for leading our teammates.  I have the utmost confidence that, together with our team, Mike will continue to expand this business, delivering exceptional value and service to our clients and customers.”