Who we are

At bolt, we’re insurance experts as well as tech experts

Our founders have a track record in the insurance industry that spans 25 years. We founded bolt to bridge the gap between traditional distribution models and the digital age, positioning everyone to grow acquisition and wallet-share. In this way we’re meeting more of the customers’ needs, more of the time.

Our story so far

We’re a market-leader in insurtech – from the number of customers that pass through our ecosystem to the value of products we provide on the platform.

  • Established in 2000
  • Headquartered in New York, NY
  • Offices in Farmington CT, Austin TX and our Tech (R&D) based in Petah Tikva, Israel
  • 200+ employees and growing

Our scale

We operate in all 50 U.S. states, and are expanding into new markets around the world.

Our team

The bolt team has the vision to see the future of insurance - and the experience to make it happen.

Eric Gewirtzman

Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder

Eric is co-founder of bolt, and now, as part of the wider bolttech family, he continues to lead the US side of our business. Eric brings over 20 years’ expertise in technology and innovation. His track record includes the creation of several pioneering insurance solutions, designed to meet consumer demand and commercial growth. Outside of work, Eric enjoys family time, off-roading, and creating new electronic prototypes. He splits his time between Tel-Aviv and New York City.

Ari Katz

President and Co-founder

Ari co-founded bolt with Eric. He leads our strategy, advising on how we can leverage bolt’s cutting-edge technology and capabilities. Prior to bolt, Ari was co-CEO and co-founder of a successful insurance software company, Shadow Computers. He also served in the Israeli Army Intelligence’s R&D team as an officer and software engineer, specializing in IT security and transaction systems. In his spare time, he enjoys playing guitar.

Jim Dwane

Chief Revenue Officer

Jim oversees our revenue function. He’s responsible for all our revenue-driven workstreams - from the creation of sustainable growth strategies to identifying competitive new opportunities. Jim has a global track record in financial services with leadership roles, including President and CEO of AIG Latin America and the Caribbean, and President and CEO of AIG Agency Auto. Jim enjoys spending time with his family, studying history, running triathlons, and warm weather.

Ankur Bhandari

Chief Financial Officer

Ankur provides strategy and leadership for all financial aspects of our business. He has over 25 years’ experience across financial services, IT and healthcare. Prior to working with us, Ankur was CFO at Appian-RX. His background spans several key leadership roles in business and finance at Fortune 500 companies including HSBC, Citi, Omnicare, and AIG. Outside of work, Ankur enjoys playing golf, travel and spending time with family.

Eric White

Executive Vice President of Distribution

Eric runs our wholesale and direct to consumer operations encompassing Superior Access and BOLT Insurance Agency. He brings over 25 years’ experience and insights across the P&C sector with roles spanning operations, underwriting, strategy and organizational development. Prior to bolt, Eric spent over 12 years with The Hartford. Outside of work he’s an ultra-marathon competitor and marathoner. He and his wife also enjoy traveling to the mountains in their RV with the company of their 5 dogs.

David Brandeis

Senior Vice President, Customer Success

David ensures we create a best-in-class experience for our customers, offering leadership on how to enhance our customer base. He’s worked in the insurance business since 1986, having begun his career as a junior underwriter. He’s worked extensively across both operations and technology, offering creative input and high-level strategy from digital and underwriting to distribution and customer experience. David enjoys hiking, spending time with his family, and reading about history.

Tomer Grof

Senior Vice President, R&D

Tomer manages the technical side of the bolt platform, overseeing our research and development. In doing so, he provides strategic direction at the heart of what we do. Tomer joined us in 2019 after being VP R&D at Sapiens and has worked with several global corporations with extensive experience in product development. In his free time, Tomer enjoys travelling and baking.

Darlene McNeal

Vice President, Human Resources, U.S.

Darlene has been building an HR framework that aligns with our overarching business strategy including talent acquisition, mentoring, training, and creating efficient new operations and infrastructures. She joined bolt in 2018 from The Hartford, where she worked for over 13 years. She also spent 10 years at Motorola. Darlene is a self-proclaimed book snob and enjoys perusing old book stores. She also enjoys travelling and spending time with her family.

Sharon Zehavi

Vice President, Human Resources Israel & Bolt Development Center

Sharon supports our team in Israel, providing that essential connection between the work we do and the people who create it. She oversees all our HR functions overseas, helping our team do their best work, supporting across a range of functions - from recruitment and talent development to strategy, infrastructure and organization. Within this she inspires staff engagement and collaboration, strengthening our results and performance. Sharon has a global track record in senior HR positions from emerging startups to established high-techs. Her interests include camping and hiking.

David Lewin

Vice President, Product

David works across the value chain of our business, delivering a best in class product proposition. His work is underpinned by a robust strategy and vision, designing innovative product features for all our markets. He has expansive industry credentials in both the P&C and technology sectors, including his previous role as VP Business Solutions at Sapiens. David enjoys spending time with family, learning about emerging technologies, and all things sport.

Lior Assaf

Vice President, Analytics and AI

Lior oversees our advanced analytics strategy, focused on artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, and data analytics. He creatively strategizes on how we can integrate pioneering new tech to enhance our business, and how we can further develop technology of our own. Prior to bolt, Lior’s experience spans several high-level roles including CEO and CTO positions from across the globe. In his spare time, he enjoys playing basketball with his team and has done so every week for the past 20 years.

Our sister companies

The bolt platform powers our sister companies: Superior Access and Bolt Insurance Agency.

Superior Access is a leading online P&C insurance wholesaler and distributor. We give independent agents instant, anytime access to preferred, national carriers as well as an array of markets. Our platform enables independent agents to process business faster than ever, so they can focus on what they do best: selling insurance.

For more information about Superior Access, click here.

Bolt Insurance Agency offers protection that’s fast and affordable, giving customers and small businesses a better way to compare, choose and buy insurance.

For more information about the Bolt Insurance Agency, click here.