Safe-Guard promotes longtime execs to be CFO and chief risk officer
Safe-Guard Products International promoted two professionals who have combined to be with the provider of third-party private label protection products for the automotive, RV, marine, and powersports industries for nearly 20 years.
Appointed to be chief financial officer is Joe Zhang and elevated to become chief risk officer is Alen Gong.
“Joe and Alen’s roles will amplify our ability to deliver advanced data-driven solutions, and their combined expertise and vision will be crucial as we continue to deliver unparalleled solutions to our clients,” Safe-Guard president and CEO David Pryor said in a news release.
“Our partners will benefit from improved insights and more tailored solutions, leading to better decision-making and increased satisfaction,” Pryor continued.
Zhang, who has been with Safe-Guard since 2013, was previously the vice president of strategy and analytics. In this new role, he was responsible for building and overseeing Safe-Guard’s sales analytics and corporate development functions.
During his tenure, Zhang developed long-term strategic plans, built the company’s data-driven salesforce effectiveness model, and was a key contributor to the acquisition of Dealer Solutions and Design.
Leveraging his background in finance and strategy as CFO, Safe-Guard said Zhang will focus on building strategic alignment across all departments within Safe-Guard and reinforcing the commitment to delivering quality service and operational excellence to customers.
“I am excited to take on the role of CFO at Safe-Guard,” Zhang said. “Our strong financial position is crucial to our ability to innovate and grow, and I look forward to leveraging my experience to ensure we continue to deliver exceptional value to our partners. If we as a team are all pointed in the right direction, the opportunity is tremendous as the foundation is already set up for success.”
Alen Gong, who joined Safe-Guard in 2016, played a critical role in the development and modernization of Safe-Guard’s Risk Management function.
Prior to his new role as chief risk officer, Gong served as chief actuary, where he was responsible for the sustainability and underwriting performance of Safe-Guard’s portfolio of protection products.
In his new role, Safe-Guard said Gong will capitalize on his deep understanding of actuarial science, financial risk management, and his extensive experience in the F&I industry to further strengthen the company’s risk mitigation strategies.
In addition, Gong will lead the newly created function of data governance to leverage Safe-Guard’s data to support client growth.
“In today’s dynamic market, effective risk management is more critical than ever,” Gong said. “I am eager to apply my expertise in this new capacity to ensure Safe-Guard remains at the forefront of industry best practices while continuing to drive growth and innovation.”