RLI CEO stepping down after 20-year tenure; successor revealed

US specialty insurer  RLI has revealed a new chief executive officer (CEO) replacing Jonathan Michael, who is retiring at the end of 2021 after a 20-year tenure as CEO.

Craig Kliethermes (pictured) will take over as president and CEO of the company, effective January 1, 2022. At the same time, Jennifer Klobnak will assume the role of chief operating officer (COO).

Kliethermes has served as president and COO since 2016. Previously, he served as senior vice president, risk services since 2013. Prior to joining RLI in 2006, he served in various actuarial and leadership roles with Lockton Companies, GE Insurance/Employers Reinsurance and John Deere Insurance Company.

Klobnak has served as senior vice president, operations since 2016. Previously, she served as senior vice president, risk services since 2014. Prior to joining RLI in 2000, she served in an audit role with PwC.

Following his planned retirement in December, current chairman and CEO Michael will continue to serve as chairman of the RLI board of directors, a position he has held since 2011. During his 20-year tenure as CEO, the company significantly diversified its product portfolio, while delivering consistent top line growth and achieving 20 consecutive years of underwriting profit.

Michael said: “Both Craig and Jen have the leadership track record and breadth of business experience necessary to guide our organization forward, including a strong customer orientation, commitment to our people and core values, and focus on delivering value to shareholders. This planned transition demonstrates the depth of our leadership team and long-term sustainability of our organization. I’m confident that RLI is well-positioned for continued success.”

Kliethermes commented: “I’m honored by the confidence the board has placed in me and want to thank Jon for his outstanding leadership and stewardship of RLI. I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead the continued growth of our extraordinary company. RLI has talented and passionate employee owners at its core. I look forward to working with them to build on the solid foundation and legacy that Jon and RLI Founder Jerry Stephens established.”

Klobnak added: “Strong relationships with our agents, customers and employees have been integral to our company’s success. I look forward to continuing to work with the entire RLI team to enhance these relationships and advance our mission to protect customers from life’s uncertainties through industry-leading specialty risk management solutions, unmatched expertise and superior service.”

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