Policy adminstration

Northbrook, Ill. - Allstate Insurance Co. announced the appointment of Victoria Dinges to assistant vice president of public social responsibility. In her newly created position, Dinges will oversee the corporation's public social responsibility efforts, directing strategy and initiatives for The Allstate Foundation and its domestic violence and teen driving signature programs, employee volunteerism, corporate social responsibility programming, and Chicago cultural and civic affairs. With more than 20 years of strategic communications, marketing and nonprofit experience, Dinges joins Allstate from the McCormick Tribune Foundation, where she was vice president of External Affairs. Source: Allstate Insurance Co.

Pearl River, N.Y. - Insurance standards association ACORD has chosen John Kellington as senior vice president. Kellington, a former Ohio Casualty Group and IBM executive, has a long relationship with ACORD having served on the ACORD board of directors and chaired the ACORD Standards Committee. Kellington joined the ACORD Board in 2004 and served as chair of the ACORD Standards Committee following its formation later that same year. He also participated in the ACORD LOMA Insurance Systems Forum CIO Panel in 2006. Prior to this appointment, Kellington served as the senior vice president and chief technology officer for Fairfield, Ohio-based Ohio Casualty Group, and was a member of their executive management team, responsible for all corporate technology initiatives. He is credited with the transformation of their technology into a state-of-the-art platform. During Kellington's 18-year career at Armonk, N.Y.-based IBM, he held several positions including architect and principal for IBM Global Services' National Insurance Practice. Source: ACORD

Overland Park, Kan.- Swiss Re's Commercial Insurance, a provider of property/casualty insurance, professional liability insurance and excess medical expense and risk management services, announced that Matt Leming has joined the firm as sales leader for stop loss products. Leming has more than 20 years of experience in the health benefits field, including 10 years with The Hartford, and seven years building managing general underwriter (MGU) business. Leming has opened sales offices, increased market share and presided over the expansion of several MGUs. He also opened a regional sales office for The Hartford in Kansas City, and has extensive underwriting experience from both The Hartford and The Travelers. Source: Swiss Re

Branchville, N.J. - Selective Insurance Group Inc. announced that its principal subsidiary, Selective Insurance Company of America, made several management changes as part of its leadership development process that created new roles for existing officers. Richard Connell, presently senior executive vice president, chief information officer, will assume the new role of chief administrative officer, with continued responsibility for the project management office and information technology, and added oversight for human resources, administrative services, and procurement and contracts administration. John Marchioni, presently senior vice president, personal lines and flood operations, will assume the role of chief field operations officer with added oversight for commercial and personal lines field operations, including the personal lines service center, agency programs, Selective risk solutions and bonds. Chuck Musilli, presently senior vice president, chief field operations and marketing officer, will head the newly created Selective risk solutions operation, which includes the Selective risk managers large account operation, the human resources outsourcing operation, Selective HR solutions and responsibility for developing an excess and surplus lines business. In his new role, Musilli will also be responsible for agency programs and flood operations. Musilli will report to John Marchioni. Ed Pulkstenis, senior vice president, chief commercial lines underwriting officer, with responsibility for the commercial lines strategic business units, commercial lines of business and reinsurance, will have additional oversight for marketing and communications, the business services unit and accounts, the commercial lines service center, and the strategic operations group which encompasses knowledge management, information strategy and market planning. Daniel Bravo, senior vice president, strategic operations group, which includes knowledge management and information strategy, will assume added responsibility for market planning. Bravo will report to Pulkstenis. Sharon Cooper, presently senior vice president, director of communications, will assume the role of chief marketing and communications officer with added responsibility for marketing strategy and business integration, marketing communications, branding and advertising. Cooper will report to Pulkstenis. Jeff Kamrowski, senior vice president, business services unit and accounts, will assume added responsibility for Selective's small business operation and commercial lines service center. Kamrowski will report to Pulkstenis. Source: Selective Insurance Group Inc.

Southborough, Mass. - Cynthia Burghard has joined ikaSystems as vice president of marketing intelligence. Burghard has over 30 years experience in healthcare, including leading enterprise data warehousing initiatives for private payers and building analytic applications for Blue Cross Blue Shield organizations. During the past 14 years, Burghard was recognized as an expert in the health insurance industry through her role as a research director for Gartner Inc., the Stamford, Conn.-based IT research and advisory services firm. Burghard's research spans more than 100 publications on topics such as care management and consumer engagement technologies, the use of magnetic card technologies and underwriting automation. Source: ikaSystems

Chicago and London - Chicago-based Aon Corp., the worldwide insurance broker and risk adviser, has appointed Hamish Roberts as global practice leader for its power business. In this role, Roberts will lead the global power strategy with an immediate focus on building Aon's strength and capabilities in this industry sector for the UK and Americas regions. Roberts, who has more than 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, was responsible for the successful growth of London-based Jardine Lloyd Thompson Group plc 's (JLT) global power business over the last three years. Prior to joining JLT, he was managing director at Marsh UK, London, where he led their power practice group. Roberts will be based in London. Source: Aon Corp.

New York - New York Life Insurance Co. announced that Craig Merdian has joined New York Life International (NYLI) as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Meridian reports to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of New York Life International Joseph A. Gilmour. In his new role, Merdian is responsible for managing several of New York Life International's core functional areas, including all financial, accounting, investment and actuarial matters for NYLI. Additionally, he is a member of NYLI's Senior Leadership Team, which is responsible for establishing management policies in all areas of the NYLI's business and affairs. Prior to joining New York Life, Merdian most recently served as vice president within the international insurance business at Newark, N.J.-based Prudential Financial Inc., where he was responsible for pricing and developing the financial structure for mergers and acquisitions. Merdian also served as a principal with Tillinghast business of New York-based Towers Perrin, a consulting firm, for 13 years. In that role, he established a Singapore office, building a life insurance consulting practice with responsibility for leading projects in Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. Source: New York Life

Simsbury, Conn. - The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. appointed David Levenson president and chief executive officer of its Japan-based subsidiary, Hartford Life Insurance K.K. Effective Oct. 1., Levenson will replace Gregory Boyko, who will remain chairman of the Japan enterprise while undertaking a new assignment for The Hartford in the United States. Levenson, currently chief operating officer of Hartford Life in Japan, will lead the company's efforts to grow sales of annuities and introduce new products to take advantage of the financial security needs of Japan's aging population. He will report to Lizabeth Zlatkus, co-chief operating officer of Hartford Life Inc. and president of International Wealth Management and Group Benefits. Joining The Hartford in 1995, Levenson was responsible for starting the company's retail mutual fund business. In 1999, he assumed responsibility for The Hartford's 401(k) business. Levenson was promoted in 2002 to run the retail product management group, which included annuities, mutual funds, 401(k) and 529 programs. Most recently, in 2005, Levenson joined Hartford Investment Management Co. as a managing director and led sales and marketing for the company's asset manager. Source: The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.

Novato, Calif. - Randy Farless has been named senior vice president, sales and marketing, at Fireman's Fund Insurance Co. In this role, Farless is responsible for the Fireman's Fund marketing and sales strategy, and leads the distribution management team that includes field executive and business development efforts across the United States, and processes, tools and technology that support the sales organization. Farless joined Fireman's Fund in 2006 as vice president, marketing for the company's commercial business. Previously, he worked for three years as vice president, agency distribution for the Springfield, Ill.-based Horace Mann Insurance Co. Earlier, he served at Safeco Insurance Co., Seattle, Wash. for 20 years, most recently as vice president of property/casualty marketing. During his Safeco tenure, he also held several leadership positions in distribution. Source: Fireman's Fund Insurance Co.

Columbia, Mo. - After 10 years of serving as a board member of the Columbia Insurance Group, a regional insurance company, which specializes in auto, home, business, and farm coverage, Gene Wills has ended his term. During his tenure, revenues for the corporation more than doubled while financial reserves increased at an even greater rate. Wills served on the boards of both the Columbia Mutual Insurance Co. and Columbia Insurance Group Inc., providing governance and direction to both organizations. Wills will remain the managing principal of the Gene E. Wills Insurance Agency and Wills Insurance Services LLC, headquartered in Jackson, Mo. Source: Columbia Insurance Group

Simsbury, Conn. - The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., one of the nation's largest diversified financial services companies, announced that Robert Reiff was promoted to senior vice president and director of distribution and field service for its group benefits division (GBD). Reiff is responsible for the division's field sales and service organization, including account management, implementation and enrollment resources that support field sales and service activities for group life and disability insurance. He also manages the development of new distribution relationships, including producer education. Prior to joining The Hartford, Reiff was vice president of sales and marketing for Portland, Ore.-based Standard Insurance Co. He spent 13 years in roles with increasing responsibility in directing sales, marketing, product development, training and e-business management. Source: The Hartford

Columbia, Mo. - Steve Standridge was elected to serve on the board of directors for Columbia Mutual Insurance Co. and Columbia Insurance Group Inc. Standridge, who established Steve Standridge Insurance Inc., Mount Ida, Ark., an independent insurance agency in 1982, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the board.

Stamford, Conn. - Eric Simpson has joined Towers Perrin's Reinsurance business as senior vice president. Simpson will be based in the global professional services firm's Philadelphia office where he will be responsible for the Market Services unit that monitors the financial stability of the various reinsurance markets, provides market analytical support to brokers and assists clients in the understanding of how third-party organizations view the company. Simpson brings significant financial, analytical, marketing and managerial expertise in the (re) insurance marketplace to the firm. Prior to joining Towers Perrin, he was a senior vice president and deputy chief financial officer with Liberty Corner, N.J.-based Everest Re Group Ltd. While with Everest Re, Mr. Simpson assisted the CFO in the management of the corporate financial function, worked closely with the firm's CRO in the development of enterprise risk management initiatives and acted as a senior liaison with the rating agencies. Source: Towers Perrin Towers Perrin's Reinsurance business

New York - New York Life Insurance Co. promoted Gary Scofield to senior vice president and chief actuary, reporting to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Michael Sproule. Scofield is responsible for the office of the chief actuary, overseeing companywide actuarial activities including certifying company reserves, establishing appropriate capital requirements and overseeing business unit product pricing. He also is responsible for all actuarial staffing and talent development, and for ensuring high standards of actuarial practice. Before joining the office of the chief actuary last year, Mr. Scofield was vice president and actuary in the Individual Life department, where he functioned as head pricing actuary. Prior to re-joining New York Life, Scofield held officer-level pricing, marketing and financial positions with several life insurance and reinsurance companies. Before that, he was an actuary with New York Life from 1997 to 1998. Source: New York Life Insurance Co.

New York - New York Life Insurance Co. announced that Steven D. Lash has rejoined New York Life as senior vice president in the Corporate Finance department. Lash reports to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Michael Sproule. The company also announced that Richard J. Witterschein has been promoted to first vice president and treasurer, reporting to Lash. Lash is responsible for managing several of New York Life's core financial functions including the actuarial, tax and treasury departments as well as all facets of corporate development, which include strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions and investor relations/rating agency relationships. Lash most recently served as principal within the Insurance and Actuarial Advisory Services (IAAS) division at London-based Ernst & Young. Prior to Ernst & Young, he spent five years with New York-based Chase Manhattan Bank as vice president, insurance corporate finance, and began his career with New York Life in 1987 as an actuarial assistant. Witterschein is responsible for the overall management of the Treasury department, which includes cash and liquidity management and bank relations. Having joined New York Life in 1996 as a director in the Treasury department, Witterschein was promoted to assistant vice president in 1997, corporate vice president in 2000 and vice president in 2006. Source: New York Life Insurance Co.

New York - Global reinsurer Swiss Re Capital Management & Advisory announced that Jamshid Ehsani has joined its Capital Management and Advisory business. Ehsani joins Swiss Re from InsCap Management LLC, a New York-based specialty finance company, where Ehsani was president and chief risk officer. Ehsani and his team work closely with life insurance, reinsurance carriers, InsCap and other life insurance originators and aggregators, regarding opportunities in the areas of life insurance and capital markets. Source: Swiss Re

Springfield, Mass. - MassMutual Financial Group has promoted two key members of its Retirement Services division's management team, Ian Sheridan and Eric Wietsma, to corporate vice president. Ian Sheridan, chief marketing officer for MassMutual's Retirement Services division, joined MassMutual as vice president of marketing in 2003. As chief marketing officer for Retirement Services, Sheridan has direct oversight of the value proposition, product innovation and development of all IRA, defined contribution, defined benefit and investment products. Prior to joining MassMutual, Sheridan served as head of marketing and business development for ADP Retirement Services. In his role as corporate vice president of Investment Services, Eric Wietsma heads up the investments organization of MassMutual's Retirement Services division encompassing strategy, research, investment product development, investment reporting and treasury operations. Prior to joining MassMutual in December 2005, Wietsma managed the public retirement plan business at The Hartford. Source: MassMutual Financial Group

Boston - James McGlennon has been appointed vice president and chief information officer for Liberty Mutual Agency Markets, a strategic business unit of Liberty Mutual Group. In this leadership role, McGlennon is responsible for the overall information technology and architecture of Agency Markets, and will work to ensure successful strategic delivery of the business unit's processes and technology initiatives.

El Segundo, Calif. - DataFlow Insurance Systems Inc. (DFIS), a provider of interactive, online software applications for the insurance industry, announced the appointment of Jerry McLaughlin as president. McLaughlin has 30 years of experience in the technology and medical arenas. Most recently, he served as president and chief executive officer of Los Angeles-based CompuMed Inc. where he successfully raised capital and structured software licensing agreements with brand name firms such as the Kodak Health Group, FujiMED USA and Swissray International. Prior to CompuMed, McLaughlin was president of the Great Circle Consulting Group Inc., Corona del Mar, Calif. from May 1998 through May 2002. There he provided strategic and operational guidance to domestic and international firms in the medical device, diagnostic and biotech markets. Source: Business Wire

San Francisco - Karen Vigil was appointed senior VP and CEO of Blue Shield of California's Individual, Small Group and Government Business Unit (ISGBU) where she had served as the unit's interim leader since October 2006. Vigil originally joined Blue Shield as a consulting member of the executive team, supporting the development of the company's strategic plan between 2003 and 2005. In her new position, she is responsible for the overall operating results from products and services for individual, small group and government markets, including Medicare. With 25 years of healthcare experience, Vigil served most recently as a consultant specializing in interim leadership roles within various organizations. Prior to joining Blue Shield, she was the COO for Medica Health Plans in Minneapolis, Minn., and previously served in the same position at Premera Blue Cross in Seattle, Wash. She is a former member of the WellPoint executive team responsible for the strategy development and implementation of the company's first public offering, and served in various capacities with Deloitte and Touche. Source: Blue Shield of California