Applied Underwriters Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Applied Underwriters has 5 executives leading key functions including corporate strategy, operational management, and surety underwriting.

Focused on delivering robust financial services and workers' compensation insurance, Applied Underwriters maintains a commitment to risk mitigation and client-centric solutions across the United States insurance market.

Leadership Roles at Applied Underwriters

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jose Menendez
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Charles Schuver
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jennifer Kruzel
  • Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP - Ace Rowley
  • President and Founder, Applied Surety Underwriters, LLC - Joshua Betz
  • Jose Menendez - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jose Menendez, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Applied Underwriters, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term financial trajectory. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while expanding the reach of workers' compensation insurance products across North American markets. By aligning internal resources with evolving industry demands, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures consistent growth and operational excellence. Jose Menendez maintains direct oversight of high-level partnerships, fostering relationships that strengthen the market position of the firm. Through rigorous analysis of financial services trends, the executive drives innovation in risk assessment models. This strategic focus supports the broader mission of providing stable insurance solutions to diverse business entities. Ultimately, Menendez secures the competitive advantage of the organization by prioritizing sustainable underwriting practices and maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation across all regional operations.

    Charles Schuver - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Charles Schuver, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Applied Underwriters, manages the execution of enterprise-wide initiatives and organizational development. This role focuses on optimizing the delivery of financial services to ensure maximum efficiency in client service models. By architecting scalable frameworks for insurance product distribution, the President & Chief Executive Officer enhances the operational footprint of the company. Charles Schuver coordinates with the board to refine corporate governance and ensure adherence to strict industry standards. This leadership position requires constant monitoring of market volatility to protect the financial health of the firm. Through the implementation of advanced data analytics, the executive improves decision-making processes regarding risk management. This strategic oversight supports the expansion of service offerings into new business sectors. Ultimately, Schuver drives the long-term viability of the organization by fostering a culture of precision and accountability in every facet of the insurance business.

    Jennifer Kruzel - Chief Operating Officer

    Jennifer Kruzel, the Chief Operating Officer at Applied Underwriters, oversees the daily internal functions and administrative workflows that support the delivery of workers' compensation insurance. This role involves streamlining cross-departmental processes to improve service speed and accuracy for business clients. By managing the infrastructure of the organization, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all operational units function in harmony with corporate objectives. Jennifer Kruzel directs the implementation of technology solutions that enhance the efficiency of insurance claims processing and policy management. This leadership position requires constant evaluation of internal performance metrics to identify areas for improvement. Through the optimization of resource allocation, the executive supports the broader goal of maintaining high service standards across the United States. Ultimately, Kruzel drives operational stability by fostering seamless collaboration between departments, ensuring that the firm remains agile and responsive to the complex needs of the insurance market.

    Ace Rowley - Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP

    Ace Rowley, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP at Applied Underwriters, manages the strategic scaling of operational systems and the integration of new financial service products. This role focuses on the logistical aspects of insurance distribution, ensuring that regional operations maintain consistent quality and compliance. By overseeing the development of internal protocols, the Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP enhances the capacity of the firm to handle large-scale risk portfolios. Ace Rowley coordinates with senior leadership to align operational output with the overarching growth strategy of the company. This leadership position involves managing complex supply chains related to insurance underwriting and policy administration. Through the application of rigorous quality control measures, the executive ensures that all business processes meet the highest standards of the industry. Ultimately, Rowley drives the operational success of the firm by refining the systems that support the delivery of essential financial services to clients.

    Joshua Betz - President and Founder, Applied Surety Underwriters, LLC

    Joshua Betz, the President and Founder, Applied Surety Underwriters, LLC at Applied Underwriters, directs the specialized surety division and its unique market offerings. This role involves architecting custom bonding solutions that address the specific financial risks faced by construction and commercial enterprises. By leading the development of niche insurance products, the President and Founder, Applied Surety Underwriters, LLC expands the influence of the firm within the surety sector. Joshua Betz maintains direct oversight of underwriting standards, ensuring that every bond issued aligns with the risk appetite of the organization. This leadership position requires deep expertise in financial analysis and market trends to provide competitive terms to clients. Through the cultivation of strong broker relationships, the executive drives the growth of the surety portfolio across diverse geographic regions. Ultimately, Betz secures the reputation of the firm as a leader in surety services by maintaining a focus on precision, reliability, and long-term financial security.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Applied Underwriters Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Applied Underwriters?
    Applied Underwriters is led by Jose Menendez (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Charles Schuver (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Jennifer Kruzel (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Applied Underwriters’s executive team?
    The executive team of Applied Underwriters includes leaders such as Jose Menendez (President & Chief Executive Officer), Charles Schuver (President & Chief Executive Officer), Jennifer Kruzel (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Applied Underwriters have?
    Applied Underwriters has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Applied Underwriters’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Applied Underwriters includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Senior VP, President and Founder, Applied Surety Underwriters, LLC.