Assurant at the Beginning
Assurant traces its roots back to 1892 when LaCrosse Mutual Aid Association began offering disability insurance. Lacrosse later changed its name to Time Insurance Company.
Laying the Foundation for Assurant
Time Insurance Company is acquired by N.V. AMEV of the Netherlands. It is the Dutch company’s first U.S. acquisition. The company sold individual health and small group insurance plans.
A Time of Growth
Fortis, Inc. – Assurant’s predecessor – was formed when AMEV/VSB of the Netherlands and AG, joined forces in the first cross-border European merger in the financial sector. Fortis was a financial services company that, through its operating companies and affiliates, provided specialty insurance, such as prefunded funeral insurance, and investment products to businesses and individuals in the United States.
Assurant Expands to Europe
In 1995, Assurant expanded operations to Europe. Now, we have a presence in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Expansion to Latin America
In 2002, Assurant expanded operations to Latin America. Now, we operate in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Assurant Goes Public
Fortis, Inc. completes its initial public offering process and Assurant begins to trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AIZ.
Assurant in Asia
In 2008, Assurant expanded operations to Asia. Now, we operate in China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Australia.
Assurant Acquires SureDeposit
This acquisition expanded Assurant's multifamily products and services to offer renters a low cost payment alternative to a security deposit.
A New Vision
Assurant realigns the business to focus on the housing and lifestyle markets. As part of the restructuring, the company announced the wind down of its legacy health business and the selling of its employee benefits business.
Assurant Expands Globally
Assurant acquires The Warranty Group, enhancing its size and presence in its vehicle protection, extended service contracts and financial services businesses across 21countries. It also is the largest acquisition in the company’s history.
Christian Formby
President Europe
Christian Formby, president, Assurant, Europe, is responsible for developing and executing strategic priorities for Assurant’s European operations to drive profitable growth in France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and the UK. With the dedication of its 1,600 European employees, Christian focuses on delivering transformational and innovative solutions that meet the needs of clients and their customers to continually improve the customer experience. He is an Executive member of the Assurant Europe Group Board of Directors.
During his nine-year career at Assurant, Christian has held leadership roles in both the company’s global Housing and Lifestyle business units, including country leadership, regional P&L management and business development across regions. Prior to Christian’s appointment as president, Assurant, Europe, he was senior vice president, global property international with oversight and management of Assurant’s International Property business. He also served as president & CEO, Assurant Puerto Rico & Caribbean, during which time the Puerto Rico business grew by significantly expanding its operations with leading mobile network operators.
Christian has over 18 years of experience in financial services, risk management and insurance, working for global brands including Goldman Sachs, Marsh, E&Y and Zurich Financial Services before joining Assurant. He has a proven track record in setting strategy and delivering high performance business results, demonstrated through his work with key financial services and mobile client leaders across Latin America. Christian has worked with clients and on projects in US, Caribbean, LatAm, Europe and Asia markets.
Christian earned his bachelor’s degree in Finance from Boston University with Honors. He then moved to New York to complete an MBA from the School of Risk, Insurance and Actuarial Sciences of St. John’s University, with a concentration in Financial and Risk Management, where he also made the Dean’s List and was a Member of Who’s Who Among American Universities and Colleges.
Christian has several designations in insurance and risk management. He is an Associate in Risk Management (ARM), an Associate in Reinsurance (ARe), a Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and a Licensed Property/Casualty Insurance Broker in Puerto Rico.
Christian is based in the UK.