Key Takeaways
- Glenn Renwick, Progressive’s former CEO, died in a car accident after leading the company’s growth from $400M to $40B in revenue.
- Renwick revolutionized insurance with innovative strategies while building a respected culture of integrity and collaboration.
- Despite his success, he remained humble and authentic, rejecting CEO stereotypes by driving an old Land Cruiser and refusing to wear suits.
Glenn Renwick, the former President and CEO of Progressive Corporation, has tragically passed away following a car accident.
News of his untimely demise was confirmed by colleagues and has sent shockwaves through the insurance and business communities.
A former colleague shared the heartbreaking announcement, writing:
“😢 So hard to say, to all past and current Progressive employees, and those that otherwise knew him, the passing of Glenn Renwick.”
Via Facebook
Others joined in mourning the loss. One said,
“I am so sorry to hear this news. May he rest in peace.”
Via Facebook
Another added,
“OMGosh! That’s horrible. He was such a nice man. Loved talking to him. Prayers to his family.”
Via Facebook
A Visionary Leader And Industry Icon
Glenn Renwick’s legacy stretches far beyond his role as CEO.
Over a 32-year career at Progressive, with 16 years at the helm, Renwick led the company through one of its most transformative eras.
Under his leadership, Progressive’s revenue skyrocketed from $400 million to over $40 billion, as he positioned the company as one of the top auto insurers in the U.S.
Renwick was widely recognized for his innovative mindset and forward-thinking strategies.
🐊 This morning, @irisvrivero had the honor of meeting up with Glenn Renwick during his trip back to @UF!
— UF Industrial and Systems Engineering (@UFISE) September 20, 2024
Glenn earned his master's degree with UF ISE, and is the former CEO of @progressive. He helped the company become one of the largest auto insurance groups in the country! 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/wVofQcGeWR
He played a pivotal role in modernizing insurance marketing and sales, embracing technology and consumer-centric approaches long before they became industry standards.
From serving as Product Manager and CIO to becoming Division President and ultimately CEO, Renwick’s influence was deeply embedded in the company’s culture and operations.
His work helped define Progressive’s reputation for innovation, transparency, and customer focus.
A Culture Creator
Beyond business results, Glenn Renwick was known for his values-driven leadership.
He championed a workplace culture rooted in integrity, collaboration, and trust.
The latest episode of our interview with Glenn Renwick is now live – a quick game of true or false where we press Glenn for his brutal and honest opinions on some industry cliches.
— JRNY (@jrny_ai) June 11, 2020
"Killing Industry Cliches (or not)" > https://t.co/Ef5d7imnKy pic.twitter.com/ichHv7oj4K
Former colleagues often cited him as a role model who treated everyone with respect and cultivated an environment that encouraged new ideas, diversity, and employee well-being.
His people-first approach contributed to Progressive’s attracting and retaining top talent and maintaining strong relationships with shareholders, customers, and regulators.
Twice named to Forbes’ list of the world’s 40 most admired CEOs, Renwick was more than an executive.
Humble And Unconventional
Despite his high-ranking position, Glenn Renwick was far from the typical CEO.
Known for his humility and down-to-earth nature, he famously drove to work in a 20-year-old Land Cruiser, raced cars for fun, and refused to wear suits.
His relaxed style and authentic personality only made him more beloved by those who worked with him.
Glenn Renwick’s academic journey began at the University of Florida, where he earned a Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering.
He was a member of Tau Beta Pi and Alpha Pi Mu honor societies.
Before joining Progressive, he held roles as a technologist at Bell Laboratories and a management science consultant at Ernst & Whitney.
Beyond Progressive, he served as Chairman of the Board for Fiserv and as Chairman of the Audit Committee for UnitedHealth Group, influencing major players across multiple industries.
Rest in peace, Glenn Renwick!
