To strengthen its market reach by providing customer service

Nationwide Mutual Insurance CEO Steve Rasmussen has framed new roles for several executive leaders across the company. Rasmussen was appointed CEO in February. The intent of the announcement is to spread business expertise across the company as Nationwide strengthens its market reach by providing customer service.

Mark Thresher, current president of Nationwide Financial, will assume the role of chief financial officer for Nationwide. He’ll also oversee Investments and Nationwide Realty Investors. Mr Thresher came to Nationwide in 1996, and prior to that spent 18 years with accounting firm KMPG.

Kirt Walker, current president of Nationwide Insurance, will assume the role of president of Nationwide Financial. Mr Walker was named to lead Nationwide Insurance in March 2006. Walker joined the company in 1986, and has held various leadership positions within the company since that time.

Mark Pizzi, current president of Customer Choice Distribution, will assume the role of president of Nationwide Insurance. He joined Nationwide in 1978. He began his career at Nationwide as a personal lines underwriter and held a variety of underwriting and service before serving in a number of leadership roles across Nationwide’s property and casualty operation.

Larry Hilsheimer, current Chief Financial Officer, will assume the role of president of Nationwide Direct & Customer Solutions (formerly Customer Choice Distribution), which includes Nationwide’s call-center based sales units. He will also oversee Nationwide Bank, Nationwide Better Health, and Customer Service. Mr Hilsheimer came to Nationwide in 2007 from Deloitte & Touche USA, where he held numerous positions as a partner, including Columbus office managing partner, vice chairman and regional managing partner.

Kim Austen, president of Allied Insurance, will have his role expanded to include oversight of Scottsdale Insurance. Mr Austen will also oversee Titan Insurance and Nationwide Agribusiness. He joined Allied Insurance in 1976, and has held numerous leadership roles over the past 33 years. Allied became a part of Nationwide in 1998.