Steve Bitar leaving Citizens for Olympus
Steve Bitar
Steve Bitar, the former Chief of Underwriting and Agency Services for Citizens Property Insurance Corporation is leaving Citizens at the end of this week to become the Chief Executive Officer of Olympus Insurance Company, in Palm Beach Gardens. He played a key role in the redesign of Citizens’ depopulation process and oversaw it for several years, including the peak year of 2014 when Citizens shed more than 416,000 policies.
During his time with Citizens, Bitar implemented several key technology initiatives, driving advancement of insured- and agent-facing platforms such as Citizens’ online insured customer portal, online claims filing, and electronic payments. In addition to utilizing technology to enhance company-wide processes, Bitar directed Citizens’ Catastrophe Response Centers.
He received high praise from his boss at Citizens, President and CEO Barry Gilway. “Although Steve has been instrumental in many initiatives, I would say his greatest impact is his regard and connection to our employees. A capacity for recognizing, equipping and leading others is a remarkable talent that Steve will continue to implement as he ventures out in his new role. While we celebrate his exciting opportunity, we also recognize he will be missed,” Gilway said in an email.
And great praise from his soon to be bosses at Olympus. “The Board had specific requirements relating to Florida property insurance experience, proven underwriting and product development leadership, effective catastrophe response management, and a proven record of delivering world-class customer service,” said Dennis McGill, GFHC Board Chairman, in a press release. “Steve’s amazing performance at Citizens over a sixteen-year career clearly exhibited his superior ability in each of these areas.”
On a personal note, LMA wants to take this opportunity to thank Steve Bitar for his 16 years of service to the entire insurance industry with his always innovative and helpful contributions, putting policyholders first. Steve personifies customer service, no matter the stakeholder, and we wish him well as he continues his professional journey. Hat’s off to Steve Bitar!
LMA Newsletter of 4-13-20
