Horace Mann appoints ex-Hanover exec to lead P&C role

US-based insurance group Horace Mann has appointed Mark Desrochers to head its property and casualty business on an acting basis.

William Caldwell has resigned from his role as executive vice president, P&C and life and retirement, to pursue other interests outside the company.

Desrochers is a senior vice president and chief corporate actuary of the company. He has over 30 years of experience in the property and casualty insurance industry, primarily in personal lines. His prior experience includes pricing, catastrophe model consulting, product development and product management.

Desrochers joined Horace Mann five years ago as chief corporate actuary, and most recently was an integral member of the corporate development and strategy team, working on the company’s recent acquisitions. Prior to joining Horace Mann, he held the position of president for the personal lines business unit of The Hanover Insurance Group from 2008 to 2014 after joining the company in 2006.

“We wish Bill the best with his future endeavors, and appreciate his leadership over the past six years as we restored profitability to our Auto business and successfully implemented the Guidewire platform,” said Marita Zuraitis, president and chief executive officer.

“I am confident Mark’s strong leadership capabilities and extensive personal lines experience will ensure we continue to build on that strong foundation. Mark has been instrumental in Auto’s return to profitability, and in addition, I have worked with him for nearly two decades. Mike Weckenbrock, currently SVP for Life and Retirement, will continue in that role. Both Mark and Mike will report directly to me.”