Marie-Anne Francis
Summary
Driven Business Development Director with career history in multi-segment distributed businesses and proven skill in hiring, developing and retaining high-performance teams. Motivating leader with strengths in building strategic relationships to support key business initiatives. Offering excellent interpersonal and communication skills and experience managing matrixed organizations.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Business Development Director, PerformPlus
Desjardins Insurance
03.2023 - Current
- Provide leadership and coaching to the Account Executives to achieve business objectives.
- Increased client base by implementing strategic business development initiatives and fostering long-lasting partnerships.
- Succeeded in achieving yearly sales objectives.
- Established clear performance metrics for the Business Development team that encouraged accountability and fostered a results-oriented work environment.
- Mentored junior team members, facilitating their professional growth and increasing overall team performance.
- Held one-on-one meetings with sales team members to identify selling hurdles and offered insight into best remedy.
- Enhanced profitability by developing pipelines utilizing marketing and sales strategies.
- Establish management an communication practices that support change management, talent attraction and retention, skills development, and employee engagement.
- Provided market feedback to company leaders regarding competitive offerings, prospect needs, and product development ideas.
Account Executive, Group Benefits, SunSolutions
Sun Life Financial
02.2017 - 03.2023
- Exceeded sales targets consistently by identifying new business opportunities and creating customized solutions for clients.
- Promoted group insurance products and services to advisors, driving business development and client retention.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing client concerns promptly and effectively to ensure long-term loyalty.
- Managed multiple accounts simultaneously while maintaining organization and prioritizing tasks efficiently.
- Managed proposals, quotes, and renewal processes for standard, ASO, and refund contracts.
- Oversaw the successful implementation of new contracts, collaborating with internal teams to ensure service excellence.
Account Executive, Group Benefits, PerformPlus
Desjardins Insurance
10.2014 - 02.2017
- Promoted group insurance services to advisors for small and medium-sized businesses, managing quotes, sales, and renewals.
- Exceeded sales targets consistently by identifying new business opportunities and creating customized solutions for clients.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive marketing strategies, resulting in increased brand awareness and revenue growth.
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Economics
Concordia University
01.2003
Skills
- Training and mentoring
- Team Leadership
- Decision-Making
- Relationship building
- Strategic Planning
- Sales & Business Development
- Group Insurance
- Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Customer Service Excellence
Accomplishments
- Best Practices, Desjardins Insurance, Recognized for exemplary external and internal behavior, 06/16
- IStar, Sun Life, Honored for outstanding customer service and positive team attitude, 05/13
Languages
French
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Hobbies and Interests
- Strength training
- Running
- Yoga
- Reading
- Traveling
Certifications
- Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS), Completed GBA certification, 06/10
- L'effet A Leadership Program, Completed, 12/18
Timeline
Business Development Director, PerformPlus
Desjardins Insurance
03.2023 - Current
Account Executive, Group Benefits, SunSolutions
Sun Life Financial
02.2017 - 03.2023
Account Executive, Group Benefits, PerformPlus
Desjardins Insurance
10.2014 - 02.2017
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Economics
Concordia University
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