Robert M. Zak is president and chief executive officer of Merchants Mutual Insurance Company and its subsidiaries, known as "Merchants Insurance Group." Property and casualty premiums for the companies total approximately $250 million. The companies are rated A- (excellent) by the A.M. Best Company.
Zak is the organization's primary representative to industry and agent trade organizations, community and civic organizations, government regulators, and insurance company rating organizations.
He joined Merchants in 1985 after a career in public accounting. Prior to his appointment as president and CEO in 1995, Zak held the position of senior vice president and chief financial officer.
A graduate of the State University of New York at Buffalo, Zak earned both bachelor of science and MBA degrees in accounting and economics.
Zak serves as a director or trustee of the following organizations:
- 100 Club of Buffalo and Western New York Inc. m Buffalo Niagara Enterprise
- Buffalo State Foundation
- Kaleida Health System
- Manning & Napier Inc.
- National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies Property Casualty Conference
- Prentice Family Foundation
- Rand Capital Corporation
- University at Buffalo School of Management Dean's Advisory Council
Zak formerly served in a governance role for the following organizations: Canisius College Wehle School of Business Dean's Advisory Council, Canisius High School, Great Lakes Health System, National Multiple Sclerosis Society of WNY, and United Way of Buffalo & Erie County.
He is a native of Western New York and lives in Buffalo with his wife, Margaret. They have three grown sons.