SHEBOYGAN, Wis. – Acuity Insurance has completed its planned leadership transition, which started three years ago with Melissa Winter’s appointment as President. Winter now officially assumes the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding longtime CEO Ben Salzmann, who has retired.
The transition reflects a deliberate, multi-year succession plan designed to ensure continuity, stability, and ongoing momentum for the organization, which continues to deliver strong business performance. In 2025, Acuity reported a combined ratio of 96.3% and grew written premium nearly 10% year over year. The company also maintains dual A+ financial strength ratings from AM Best and S&P Global Ratings and has been named to Ward’s 50 list of top-performing property-casual insurance companies for 26 consecutive years.
Winter brings nearly three decades of experience with Acuity to her expanded role, having joined the organization in 1998 and serving as President since 2023. As a corporate officer for the past decade, she has played a central role in shaping Acuity’s strategy, strengthening operations, and advancing the company’s long-term growth initiatives.
“Melissa is an exceptional leader,” said Salzmann. “Her deep knowledge of our business, strategic vision, commitment to our people, and strong relationships with agents and customers make her the right person to guide Acuity forward. I know under her continued leadership, Acuity will thrive as an industry leader, an exceptional place to work, and a valued partner in the marketplace.”
Salzmann will remain an active member of Acuity’s Board of Directors, continuing to share his leadership perspective and insight.
“Ben’s leadership helped shape Acuity into the strong, respected company it is today, and I am deeply grateful for his mentorship and partnership,” said Winter. “It’s an honor to lead this organization into its next chapter. With a strong foundation, exceptional people, and trusted relationships with our agents and customers, we are well positioned to continue Acuity’s momentum.”
Alongside its CEO transition, Acuity has expanded its leadership team to support continued growth and deepen its capabilities across underwriting, marketing, and distribution. These role elevations reflect Acuity’s proactive approach to building leadership depth and enhancing operational and strategic excellence, while ensuring focused support for its customers, agents, and employees.
The following Acuity team members have received new executive leadership appointments:
Wally Waldhart, formerly Vice President – Distribution, now serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer. In this role, he leads all aspects of commercial and personal underwriting, aligning underwriting excellence with long-term growth strategy.
Joel Katsma, formerly Vice President – Market Strategy & Communications, has assumed the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing & Distribution Officer. He oversees distribution, market strategy, product development, and product management, bringing greater integration to how Acuity serves its agents and markets.
Wendy Schuler, formerly Vice President – Finance now assumes the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. She oversees all aspects of accounting and finance as well as enterprise risk management, bringing a multi-dimensional approach to strategic leadership.
Brad Lloyd, formerly General Manager – Distribution, joins the executive team as Vice President – Distribution. He leads sales strategy, deepening Acuity’s market presence and strengthening partnerships with the company’s 40,000 independent agents.
Trisha Krautkramer, formerly General Manager – Communications, has been named Vice President – Product & Marketing. She helps guide product strategy and operations alongside marketing efforts to support sustained growth and an elevated agent and customer experience.
Jeff Boldig, formerly General Manager – Personal Lines Underwriting, now serves as Assistant Vice President – Personal Lines. He will continue to advance Acuity’s personal lines market position while bringing a strong commitment to collaboration and service.
Carmen Raha, formerly General Manager – Controller, has been named Assistant Vice President – Accounting. She brings a strategic mindset to accounting while maintaining a strong focus on execution, continuous improvement, and building capabilities that support Acuity’s long-term growth.
“As Acuity enters its next chapter, it does so on a foundation of strength, integrity, and heart. Ben’s leadership has left an extraordinary mark on Acuity, and the Board sincerely appreciates the decades of service and dedication he brought to the organization,” said Lisa Mauer, Acuity Board Chair. “We are equally confident in Melissa as she steps into this expanded role. Her deep experience within the organization and her leadership over the past several years position Acuity for continued success.”
About Acuity Insurance
Acuity Insurance is a leading provider of insurance solutions, delivering exceptional coverage and customer service to individuals and businesses in over 30 states. With over $3 billion in annual written premium, the insurer manages assets exceeding $8.5 billion. Headquartered in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Acuity employs nearly 1,900 people.
