Vice President of Sales, Asia

Committed to providing life insurance solutions since 1969 in the United States and globally since 1975, Citizens, Inc. is a publicly traded company (NYSE: CIA) that has maintained a listing on the New York Stock Exchange since 2002. Operating through our insurance subsidiaries, we strategically offer traditional insurance products in niche markets to capitalize on competitive advantages. With a dedicated team of employees located in Austin, Louisiana and a global network of agents, our reach extends to Latin America, Central America, and Asia.

Title: Vice President of Sales, Asia

Job Type: Full-time Exempt

Reports to: Head of Sales

Work Location: In Office/Remote/Hybrid (Optional)

Market: Hong Kong, or any other country where Citizens will set up a representative office. Ie Malaysia, Singapore, or Thailand.

Job Summary

The Vice President of Sales, Asia will lead and execute the company's growth strategy across the Asia region. This executive will oversee existing agency and distribution relationships (with a particular focus on Taiwan), develop new business through multiple distribution models, and expand the organization's presence in both established and emerging markets.

This role requires a CEO‑level mindset, strong strategic vision, and deep expertise in insurance, financial services, business development, partner management, and market expansion. A core objective will be identifying and executing high‑value distribution opportunities, including investments and partnerships with carriers and distributors (onshore and offshore), U.S. Foreign National (USFN) networks, joint ventures, white‑label arrangements, and assumptive reinsurance initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Define and lead the overall Asia sales and market‑entry strategy.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership to align regional objectives with corporate priorities.
• Establish priorities, develop actionable plans, and ensure disciplined execution of strategy.

2. Business Development

• Drive revenue growth through existing agency and distribution partners.
• Identify and pursue expansion opportunities across priority Asian markets.
• Source, evaluate, and engage new partners, including independent agents, producer networks, brokers, and institutional partners.
• Develop and present compelling value propositions to prospective partners.
• Convert new partnerships into sustainable, meaningful revenue contributors.
• Partner with Marketing and Relationship Management to design incentive and promotional programs.

3. Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong, long‑term relationships with existing partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for partners and prospective ventures, ensuring high satisfaction and timely resolution of issues.

4. Internal Collaboration

• Partner with executive and functional leaders to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure partners receive appropriate support, training, and marketing resources.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Product Development, Operations, and Customer Service to align strategies and enhance partner success.

5. Market Expansion

• Develop and scale independent and institutional distribution channels across Asia.

• Identify, evaluate, and implement a range of distribution strategies, including:

• Offshore and U.S. Foreign National (USFN) distribution networks

• Assumptive reinsurance arrangements

• White‑label partnerships

• Joint ventures

• Local investments and strategic alliances

• Analyze market trends, regulatory environments, and competitive dynamics to target high‑potential segments and attract new partners.

6. Performance Monitoring and Reporting

• Define, manage, and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure business development effectiveness.
• Prepare and present regular performance updates, market insights, and expansion progress to senior leadership.

7. Training and Ongoing Support

• Partner with Sales Training to design and deliver programs ensuring partners are proficient in company products, services, and processes.
• Provide ongoing support to help partners meet and exceed production and growth targets.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience building and managing independent agency or producer networks.
• Demonstrated success in business development within insurance or financial services.
• Strong strategic orientation with the ability to translate vision into execution.
• Exceptional relationship‑building, negotiation, and partner‑management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and executive‑level influencing capabilities.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market data and inform decision‑making.
• Deep understanding of cultural, regulatory, and business practices across Asian markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Finance, or a related field; MBA strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in business development, sales leadership, or market expansion within insurance or financial services.
• Extensive experience working across Asian markets.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in Mandarin, Cantonese, or other relevant regional languages is a strong plus.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the region.
• Ability to work in‑country where a representative office or regional presence is established.

Key Success Factors

• Proactive Leadership: Identifies opportunities early and acts decisively.
• Adaptability: Thrives in dynamic, evolving market environments.
• Results‑Driven: Focused on measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.
• Partner‑Centric: Committed to delivering value and exceeding partner expectations.
• Innovative Thinking: Able to identify and execute non‑traditional and emerging distribution strategies.

BENEFITS

As an employee of Citizens, we promise you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our customers, communities, and one another. We believe in fostering a culture of camaraderie, where your ideas are valued, and collaborative efforts drive innovation. Our commitment to rewarding work extends beyond professional growth to recognize your individual contributions and achievements.

We take a complete approach to our employees' well-being. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, AD&D, group term life insurance, and a matching 401k to secure your financial future. Our benefits plan allows for Virtual Visits and access to our Employee Assistance Program, showcasing our commitment to your health and work-life balance. Enjoy the added perks of generous Paid Time Off and holidays, ensuring you have the time to recharge and savor life outside of work. Join us and embrace a workplace that values not only your professional growth but also your personal fulfillment.

At Citizens, our employees and customers are at the heart of everything we do. Our success as a company begins with our team of employees and departments to service our customers. That's why we strive to create an environment where employees are equipped and challenged to reach their full potential.

Citizens is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is valued, and all qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.