Nationwide creates new position to grow pet insurance business

Mariel Devesa, the newly appointed leader of growth, expansion and development for Nationwide’s pet insurance business. (Photo courtesy of Nationwide)

Nationwide, the largest provider of pet health insurance in the United States, has announced the appointment of Mariel Devesa as leader of growth, expansion, and development for the company’s pet insurance business.

In this senior leadership role, Devesa will develop new distribution channels, partnerships, and products while building on Nationwide’s current capabilities to accelerate growth and diversify the company’s pet insurance business, according to a company press release.

Before joining Nationwide, Devesa worked for more than 2 decades at several firms, including Farmers Insurance, Phyn property intelligent water systems, Deloitte & Touche, Red Bull, and Herbalife, where she focused on streamlining efficiencies and emphasizing the global transfer of best practices.

“Mariel joins Nationwide Pet at a time of unprecedented growth and opportunity,” says Chief Pet Officer Heidi Sirota in the release. “Her unique skill set and successful track record will help us to identify and reach uninsured pet parents where they are with meaningful ways to care for and protect their beloved companions.”

Devesa, who earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of California Los Angeles, is a certified public accountant in California and a 7-time national champion windsurfer.