USAA brings in Juan C. Andrade as the new CEO … thoughts?

USAA just announced that Juan C. Andrade will be replacing Wayne Peacock as CEO. Anyone have opinions on this change? Do you think he’s the right pick?

Another CEO without military experience. Let’s hope he’s better than the last one.

Marley said:
Another CEO without military experience. Let’s hope he’s better than the last one.

Why would he be? He’s another insurance executive with no real connection to the military, other than taking our money for years and showing up to events like the Army-Navy game. He’s been on the board for five years, so he’s part of the group responsible for USAA Bank’s trouble with federal regulators. Same problems, different face.

@Harlan
At least he worked as a government civilian. I’m sure he had some interactions with the military—probably more than the last guy.

Marley said:
Another CEO without military experience. Let’s hope he’s better than the last one.

Honestly, I don’t think it can get much worse. Fingers crossed I don’t regret saying that.

Marley said:
Another CEO without military experience. Let’s hope he’s better than the last one.

An external hire … seriously?

Marley said:
Another CEO without military experience. Let’s hope he’s better than the last one.

The lack of military experience raises a big red flag for me. Hope I’m proven wrong.

Ari said:

Marley said:
Another CEO without military experience. Let’s hope he’s better than the last one.

The lack of military experience raises a big red flag for me. Hope I’m proven wrong.

Why do you think a CEO with military experience would be better? A lot of USAA’s issues today come from decisions made under former CEOs who were veterans.

Ari said:

Marley said:
Another CEO without military experience. Let’s hope he’s better than the last one.

The lack of military experience raises a big red flag for me. Hope I’m proven wrong.

As a veteran, I don’t think military experience matters much. USAA has plenty of veterans on staff, but they’re not stepping up for the CEO role. Why blame civilians when veterans themselves aren’t taking on that responsibility?

I remember when USAA’s auto insurance premiums were about half of their competitors in the 80s. It felt like a company built on trust. Maybe it’s time for members to push for change and bring back that vision.

@Finley
You’re not wrong. Decades ago, USAA’s rates were unbeatable, and their service was top-notch. Now they’ve got a retired football player as a spokesperson, and rates and service are just average.

@Finley
Sadly, I don’t think that’s going to happen now.

If he wasn’t a member before, why is he in charge? I left USAA after 32 years and saved $1,300 a year. So disappointing.

Brice said:
If he wasn’t a member before, why is he in charge? I left USAA after 32 years and saved $1,300 a year. So disappointing.

His bio says he’s been a USAA member for years.

Brice said:
If he wasn’t a member before, why is he in charge? I left USAA after 32 years and saved $1,300 a year. So disappointing.

You should always shop around for car insurance—it pays off.

If you’re not a veteran, how can you lead a veteran-focused organization? I’d happily take the CEO job for my current GS-13 Step 10 pay. As a veteran E5 with a master’s degree and public service experience, I’m waiting for the call!

@Reagan
What experience do you have running a multi-billion-dollar company?

Nari said:
@Reagan
What experience do you have running a multi-billion-dollar company?

None, but neither do some of these guys. At least I’d put members first instead of chasing executive bonuses.

Oh no, not a veteran? How will he ever run such a big financial company?

Winter said:
Oh no, not a veteran? How will he ever run such a big financial company?

I get why people want a leader who might better understand veterans’ needs.