Sompo hires industry veteran to run crop insurance business

Bermuda-based property and casualty re/insurer Sompo International has hired Robert Haney as executive chairman of AgriSompo, the company's multinational crop insurance platform, and CEO of its North American crop insurance organisation AgriSompo North America.

Sompo said the appointment reflects its commitment to the crop insurance market in the US and globally.

Haney is a long-standing industry veteran with four decades of experience in the US crop market. He began his career at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) before joining Rain and Hail, where he spent the next three decades growing and leading the company before retiring as chairman in 2015.

John Charman, executive chairman of SIH and CEO of Sompo Holdings overseas insurance and reinsurance business, said: “We are delighted to have Bob join us as we continue to strategically invest in and grow our AgriSompo global platform.

"Bob has been a pioneer in shaping the U.S. crop industry over the last several decades, making his passion for farming, sustainability and innovation unparalleled in the industry. It is his absolute dedication and passion to continuously improve all aspects of the U.S. Crop business that brought Mr. Haney out of retirement to run this groundbreaking operation for Sompo International. We are very much looking forward to bringing his leadership and guidance into Sompo as we revolutionize this industry.”

Christopher Sparro, CEO of US insurance at Sompo International, added: “Having Bob join the company to run our crop insurance program is extremely exciting and we are very proud to have him join our management leadership team. Bob is an inspiring leader who has a strong vision for the future of crop insurance and will be instrumental in creating a unique organization that is second to none. It will be a privilege to work with Bob as we redefine what is possible for farmers, ranchers, employees, agents and partners.”

Haney commented: “I am very pleased to join AgriSompo and Sompo International during this notable time of change in the company and in the crop insurance industry. I believe in the long-term strategic vision for growing the company’s business and am extremely committed to establishing the premier, global leader in the crop insurance industry. I am honored to help AgriSompo realize that vision and am confident that together, we will become the premier crop insurance business in the market.”