Profile
Karen Rzeszutko, president of Roanoke Insurance Group, earned her place among the insurance industry’s elite through a blend of the following:
strategic vision
operational discipline
deep commitment to developing others
Rzeszutko’s curiosity, combined with a willingness to step into unfamiliar areas of the business, allowed her to build a broad base of expertise. Rather than following a pre-set track, she constructed her career intentionally over time, seizing opportunities to grow and contribute at a higher level.
Stepping into the role of president stands as the defining achievement of her career. For Rzeszutko, the significance lies not only in the title but also in the privilege of leading a long-established organization and carrying forward its reputation within a competitive industry. She sees her mandate as both steward and innovator.
One of the central challenges she faces in this role is navigating a rapidly changing environment and staying ahead of industry trends and competition. She says, “I rely on the insights, experience, and diverse perspectives of my team, along with the relationships I’ve built over the years, to stay informed and make sound business decisions.”
Rzeszutko’s leadership style is grounded in positivity and shared purpose. She brings a constructive attitude and intentionally surrounds herself with people who are aligned with common goals.
She says, “I bring a positive mindset to my role and seek out people who share common goals. I’m focused on helping others achieve success both individually and collectively, as that’s ultimately what drives the organization forward.”
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Rzeszutko has encountered subtle but real barriers, including moments where she felt compelled to prove that she belonged at the table. Those experiences fueled her drive while also sharpening her awareness of the structural challenges women face in reaching leadership. She is passionate about creating clearer pathways.
“I hope that I’m proving that if you work hard, stay focused, and commit to continual growth, you will be rewarded for your efforts,” she says. “Opportunities are everywhere, but success comes down to a person’s willingness to learn, adapt, and stretch themselves in a complex and evolving environment.”
What distinguishes Rzeszutko among her peers is her ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution. She sees the big picture clearly yet remains deeply attuned to the details that drive meaningful results.
Ultimately, she hopes her legacy will be one of strengthening Roanoke into a stronger, more resilient, and more innovative company than when she first joined: firmly positioned for long-term success and shaped by a leader who combined insight, integrity, and action at the highest level.
1501 Woodfield Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60173
847 254 0430
karen.rzeszutko@roanokegroup.com
linkedin.com/in/karen-rzeszutko
roanokegroup.com
Karen Rzeszutko
President
Roanoke Insurance Group
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Bio
Milestones
1998–2004
2021–2023
Present
2017–2019
Present
Claims Supervisor at The Hartford
1998–2004
Senior Vice President, CUO Marine at Munich Re Specialty Group N.A./Roanoke Insurance Group
2021–2023
President at Roanoke Insurance Group since 2023
Present
Named RPS Branch Manager of the Year
2017–2019
Board Member, Excess Lines Association of New York
Present
Milestones
Milestones
Sept 2021
Feb 2022
Apr 2022
Jul 2022
Aug
2022
Suncorp Bank introduces Solar Home Bonus offer for customers who are choosing renewable energy for their homes
Sept 2021
Month-on-month market share growth commences
Feb 2022
Suncorp Bank wins the Canstar award for most outstanding value in investment loans
Apr 2022
Suncorp Bank wins Money Magazine’s Bank of the Year and Business Bank of the Year awards for the fifth year in a row
Jul 2022
Suncorp Bank’s turnaround times are the lowest they have ever been. The lender becomes Australia’s first certified carbon neutral bank for both its operation and transaction services
Aug 2022
Milestones
She continually assesses strategy, aligning talent, technology, and capital with Fortegra’s future vision. By helping people understand the value of their work, Taylor drives engagement and fosters a culture where everyone sees themselves as a builder of the company’s future.
With respect to her impact at Fortegra, she adds, “I enjoy taking on operational challenges that enable our underwriting, actuarial, and finance professionals to focus on their core priorities, ultimately delivering meaningful value to Fortegra's partners and stakeholders.”
Three themes anchor her approach to both role and career:
commitment to continuous learning
focus on serving the enterprise and adding tangible value
alignment with companies whose values mirror her own
Recognized by Insurance Business as an Elite Woman 2026, Taylor is aware of the importance of visibility and representation. In a sector where senior female role models remain limited, she has chosen to see barriers as an invitation to chart her own course.
Through mentorship, active participation in networks of women C-suite leaders, and initiatives like Fortegra’s Network of Women (N.O.W.) program, she is helping build clearer pathways, stronger support systems, and broader possibilities for the next generation.
“If my experience can help someone navigate their path with more confidence or clarity, then recognition like this becomes much more meaningful,” she says. “My goal is to help create a cycle where every generation of leaders lifts the next one higher.”
“My goal is to help create a cycle where every generation of leaders lifts the next one higher”
Abbie Taylor,
Fortegra
“This type of work energizes me because, like many of us at Fortegra, I’m a business builder at heart”
Abbie Taylor,
Fortegra