Furlong Appointed So. California President of Armstrong/Robitaille Inc.
Paul K. Furlong, FCII, has been appointed southern California president of Fullerton, Calif.-based Armstrong/Robitaille Inc., according to Johannes (Johs) Worsoe, executive vice president and chairman of UBOC Insurance Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Union Bank of California, N.A.
Most recently, Furlong served as acting president for the Los Angeles area of Armstrong/Robitaille after that firm merged with Knight Insurance Agency in 2003. Furlong joined Knight in 1982, becoming a partner in 1986 and then president 10 years later. Prior to his tenure with Knight, Furlong worked for Norwich Union, a major insurance company in London, England, beginning in 1972. He obtained a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Insurance qualification there before moving to the brokerage side of the business in 1980.
“Unlike many other large bank-owned regional brokers we have decided that our insurance growth and structure will be managed by insurance entrepreneurs who understand the needs of producers, staff and most importantly, our clients,” said Worsoe. “Paul’s 30-plus years of experience exemplifies an insurance entrepreneur of the highest caliber.”
During his career in California, Furlong has chaired the Firemans Fund Producer Council, been a member of the President’s councils of SAFECO, Unigard and Golden Eagle. He was president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena, and he chaired the Tri City 1-Day in 1986. Furlong also served as a director of the IBA West from 1998 to 2001 and has served on several committees for that organization.
“The opportunities that exist in this growing organization are significant, the resources are available, the support and service infrastructure are in place and we are ready to attract more of the best producers in the business,” said Furlong. “Union Bank is encouraging us to plan our own future growth and structure, in combination with our sister agencies, Tanner Insurance in Pleasanton, California, and John Burnham in San Diego. Together, we will become one of the strongest influences in the industry.”
Based in San Francisco, UnionBanCal Corporation is a bank holding company with assets of $51.2 billion at June 30, 2005. Its primary subsidiary, Union Bank of California, N.A., had 318 banking offices in California, Oregon and Washington, and 21 international facilities, at June 30, 2005.