Bill Akins Email & Phone Number

Naperville, Il

Instec delivers policy administration solutions to commercial property and casualty insurance companies through reliable, well-engineered software and expert advisors as a Cloud SaaS offering.Focused on account development as well as new business• Engage clients through a consultative approach to gain understanding of decision-making processes and align account growth strategies• Create account strategies designed to promote Instec's products within existing accounts• Build trust based client relationships and act as client advocate at Instec• Responsible for the delivery of several large client projects and ongoing services• 100% client retention, resulting in 30% average annual increase in revenue• Generated new business growth through the sale of software licenses and professional services• Collaborate with the sales team to share ideas and new business development strategies• Planned and executed small and large tradeshow events

Focused on new business development as part of a strategic sales team calling on Fortune 100 at the “C” level including GM, New York Life, Countrywide Financial Corp, Carlson Companies and more. Implemented new sales approach of conducting customer information management (CIM) assessments to determine client needs and align Acxiom solutions.· Presented to dozens of Fortune 100 companies many at the “C” level· Engaged client during in-depth CIM assessments as the technical/product solutions analyst· Coordinated and participated in client interviews during CIM assessments· Assisted in formulation of key findings, recommendations, and financial considerations to create executive overview· Designed client solutions including data integration, data hygiene, customer recognition, prospect and customer databases, and preference management

Led a business unit of 35 associates, supporting $80M in revenue, focused on building industry specific applications and processes as well as implementation of new large marketing database solutions.· Collaborated with Service Unit Leaders to develop industry standard applications· Coached team through disgruntled customer issue resulting in new multi-million dollar contract· Allocated staff to projects based on client needs· Ensured proper technical support for key sales efforts (proposals, presentations, demos, etc.)· Responsible for technical solution designs and pricing in proposals· Co-led a group key initiative for internal implementation of new technology· Retained key staff during time of pay cuts and downsizing · Interfaced with customers to better understand their needs· Guided team to deliver on-time solutions to customers· Improved relationships between service and technical units resulting in improved response to clients· Co-led the renegotiation of long term client contracts with Services Unit Leader

Performed consulting, project management and design services for implementation of database marketing solutions. · Participated in the conceptual and physical development of a new real-time marketing solution· Supported sales with technical and business application knowledge of products and solutions· Developed and conducted standard and custom demos of Acxiom solutions and third party tools· Assisted with crafting content and pricing for responses to RFPs and RFIs· Led client training prior to live roll out of database solution · Engaged clients and prospects as a member of the corporate trade show team for four years· Taught Data and Data Systems course for Financial Database Marketing School at Northwestern University· Led a project team in implementing the first marketing database solution using the Quiddity campaign management tool included detailed needs analysis, system requirements, business rules, business objectives, and solution strategyDeveloped an interface between Cognos BI tools and Acxiom’s campaign management tool

· Managed the IS department and services including marketing database development, tracking & reporting, web and IVR development· Created IS policies, procedures, and performance standards· Supervised the design and development of systems and applications· Directed all IS related projects: estimated time and costs, selected vendors, scheduled internal and external resources, and monitored project budget compliance· Worked closely with clients to ensure their satisfaction during all phases of the project· Assisted in the development of clients’ strategic marketing plans· Implemented Internet services including web hosting· Participated in the acquisition of new clients including the development of proposals and presentations

IT leadership responsibilities including membership of senior management team of a start-up business unit marketing term life insurance direct to the consumer. Grew to be market leader in direct term insurance. Supervised a development staff of eight.· Facilitated the design and development of a client relationship management system to prospect and track the direct sale of term life insurance to the consumer utilizing real-time customer information management· Responsible for systems strategic planning including software, hardware, and networking for the SBU · Participated in the creation of Zurich Direct’s core values, vision, mission, and strategic business plan· Managed the development of and contributed to the design of the Zurich Direct web site· Selected, negotiated and coordinated the work of outside consulting firms