New York-listed Manning & Napier has brought in Robert Zak as an independent board director and appointed him to serve on the nominating and corporate governance, compensation, and audit committees.

Since 1995, Zak has served as president and chief executive at Merchants Insurance Group, a privately-held insurance company. Prior to entering the insurance industry in 1985, he had a career in public accounting.   

Manning & Napier CEO Patrick Cunningham said Zak's experience in the insurance industry complements the firm's ongoing development of solutions for clients and partners in the intermediary channels.

Headquartered in Fairport, NY, Manning & Napier offers high net worth individuals and institutions investment solutions through separately-managed accounts, mutual funds and collective investment trust funds.