Nationwide has hired Pete Frey as its commercial telematics director to develop and oversee a usage-based insurance program and connected business fleet platform, the insurer announced.

Frey comes to the role with experience from the telematics and insurance industries. His previous role was as senior director of product with Zubie. He also held roles with Hubio — a Toronto-based software provider with a telematics/usage-based insurance product. Prior to that, Frey served as the usage-based insurance program manager with American Family Insurance, among other roles with that company.

"Pete has been a leader in the telematics arena with deep industry knowledge and experience," said Tony Fenton, Nationwide's vice president of underwriting and product for commercial auto, casualty and new product development. "He will ensure that Nationwide establishes a world-class platform that provides benefits and value to commercial policyholders."

Frey began his career in the automotive industry in 1993 as the software usability and support supervisor with Yazaki North America.

He has been invited as a speaker and panelist at multiple telematics- and technology-related conferences, and has also served as an advisor on numerous strategic connected car industry related efforts.