Grinnell Mutual today announced that Dave Wingert, executive vice president and chief operating officer, will serve as the company’s acting president. He will temporarily succeed Larry Jansen on his retirement, and serve in that capacity while the planned successor for the president and CEO roles, Jeff Menary, rehabilitates from a case of West Nile virus. 

Jansen retired on Dec. 15 after 38 years with the Grinnell-based property/casualty and reinsurance company, including the past six years as president and CEO. 

Menary, executive vice president of line operations, was named Jansen’s successor by the company’s board of directors earlier this year. However, in September, Menary was diagnosed with West Nile virus, and he is currently undergoing rehabilitation. 

“If ever there was someone who could fight this setback head-on and make a full recovery, it’s Jeff. His hard work, determination and can-do spirit will get him through this,” Wingert said in a release. “We wish him and his family the best as he battles back from this terrible illness, and we very much look forward to the day we see him back at work.

“In the meantime, Grinnell Mutual has a strong senior leadership team and the best employees I’ve ever worked with. Together we will continue moving Grinnell Mutual and our industry forward, even while we miss Jeff’s guiding hand,” Wingert said.

Wingert joined Grinnell Mutual in 2011 as chief financial officer, vice president of the finance division, and treasurer. He was previously senior vice president and controller at Aviva USA in West Des Moines. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration accountancy from Iowa State University, is a certified public accountant, and holds the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter and Fellow, Life Management Institute designations.