Alex Ward
Atlanta,GA
Summary
Seasoned Sales & Strategy Leader with over 25 years of experience in employee benefits, benefits administration, benefits communication, and enrollment. Been in sales and leadership with a national voluntary benefits carrier, enrollment firm, and benefits administration provider. I have partnered with companies from 5 employees to 150,000 over the course of my career. Specialize in developing long-term strategies for clients to drive a better understanding of the value of an employer’s benefits offering and focus on ways to assist HR in getting out of the transactional components of HR and back to focus on strategy and tactics to meet their goals and initiatives as an organization.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Partner
The Orientation Company
04.2021 - Current
- Provided outstanding service to all individuals, promoting effective, and lasting business relationships.
- Achieved successful client outcomes by identifying and addressing their unique needs and goals.
- Stayed informed on industry developments and market trends to gain competitive advantage.
- Networked with other professionals and organizations to expand contacts and opportunities.
- Expanded the firm''s clientele through strategic networking and relationship building initiatives.
- Contributed to the firm''s growth by attracting new business opportunities via targeted marketing efforts.
Vice President of Sales, Benefits Guidance
Alight
01.2020 - 03.2021
- Increased sales revenue by developing and implementing innovative sales strategies.
- Secured key accounts with targeted presentations, strengthening brand reputation amongst industry leaders.
- Achieved sales goals and service targets by cultivating and securing new customer relationships.
- Developed short and long-term sales strategies to gain market share, uncover new sales opportunities and increase revenue.
- Crafted overall account sales strategies and coordinated activities of sales executives to achieve revenue goals.
- Spearheaded expansion into new territories, establishing a strong presence in untapped markets.
Regional Vice President of Sales
Hodges-Mace, LLC
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Championed continuous improvement initiatives within the sales organization by identifying best practices, optimizing workflows, and mitigating potential risks or bottlenecks in the process pipeline.
- Provided exceptional leadership during organizational restructuring initiatives, minimizing disruption to ongoing sales efforts while positioning the company for future success.
- Established strategic partnerships to drive business development and maximize revenue opportunities.
- Developed and executed strategic sales plans for consistent growth in the region.
- Oversaw budget planning and expense management for the regional sales department, ensuring optimal resource allocation for maximum ROI.
- Increased regional sales by implementing innovative marketing strategies and building strong customer relationships.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop customized solutions for clients, resulting in increased customer satisfaction and loyalty.
- Fostered long-term relationships with key accounts, ensuring repeat business and sustained profitability.
Principal, Sales & Strategy
Hodges-Mace
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Customized proposals based on client requirements, demonstrating value-added services that differentiate from competitors'' offerings.
- Conducted regular competitor analysis to identify market trends and opportunities for growth.
- Implemented effective sales strategies for consistent growth in market share and profitability.
- Expanded territory coverage by identifying untapped markets and forging strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.
- Developed a comprehensive understanding of product offerings, allowing for tailored solutions to meet customer needs.
- Provided exceptional customer service, addressing concerns promptly and maintaining high levels of client retention.
- Collaborated with internal teams to improve product offerings, resulting in higher customer satisfaction rates.
- Increased sales revenue by building strong relationships with key clients and consistently meeting or exceeding targets.
- Managed customer accounts to secure customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Group Sales Representative
Aflac
12.1998 - 01.2012
- Built strong relationships with clients through effective communication and attentive customer service.
- Continuously updated personal knowledge of industry trends and competitors'' offerings, ensuring an informed and competitive edge in all interactions with clients.
- Worked closely with operations teams to ensure seamless coordination of group events, resulting in high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Conducted regular performance reviews with clients, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes to enhance their experience.
- Efficiently managed multiple accounts, ensuring timely follow-ups and successful contract negotiations.
- Generated new leads and established client base by conducting outbound calls and attending industry events.
- Increased group sales revenue by developing and implementing targeted marketing strategies.
- Worked with sales team to collaboratively reach targets, consistently meeting or exceeding personal quotas.
- Set and achieved company defined sales goals.
- Selected correct products based on customer needs, product specifications and applicable regulations.
- Maintained current knowledge of evolving changes in marketplace.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Speech Communications
University of Georgia
Athens, GA05.1996
Skills
- Customer Relationship Building
- Marketing
- Performance Analysis
- Strategic Planning
- Industry Expertise
- Collaboration and Teamwork
- Building Trust and Relationships
- Client Representation and Advisement
Timeline
Partner
The Orientation Company
04.2021 - Current
Vice President of Sales, Benefits Guidance
Alight
01.2020 - 03.2021
Regional Vice President of Sales
Hodges-Mace, LLC
01.2017 - 01.2020
Principal, Sales & Strategy
Hodges-Mace
01.2012 - 01.2017
Group Sales Representative
Aflac
12.1998 - 01.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Speech Communications
University of Georgia