String of new appointments as The Hartford continues to expand

Property/casualty insurer  The Hartford has made several new appointments to strengthen its senior team, as it seeks to expand its digital capabilities, simplify processes, and apply data analytics to enhance products and services.

The company has expanded the roles of Deepa Soni and John Kinney, who will report directly to The Hartford’s chairman and CEO Christopher Swift effective August 2. Gretchen Thompson has been appointed head of construction, inland marine, excess solutions and complex liability solutions within the company’s middle & large commercial business unit. Thompson succeeds Adrien Robinson, who was appointed head of global specialty.

Soni, the company’s chief information officer (CIO), will now oversee technology, data, analytics & information security.

Kinney has been appointed as head of claims & operations. His responsibilities have been broadened to include operations in addition to his role overseeing claims.

Soni and Kinney are succeeding Bill Bloom, who will retire later this year as head of claims, operations, technology, data and analytics.

Mary Nasenbenny succeeds Kinney as chief claims officer and is now a member of The Hartford’s executive leadership team.

"Over the past several years, The Hartford has pursued an aggressive technology agenda, expanding digital capabilities, simplifying processes and platforms, and applying data and analytics to enhance products and services,” said Swift. “Deepa has elevated our technology capabilities through an emphasis on agile approaches, cloud-based digital platforms, automation and advanced data and analytics. John is a proven leader who can deliver a truly differentiating end-to-end customer experience with our united Claims and Operations organization.”

He added: “Bill oversaw the implementation of a robust investment agenda that has dramatically enhanced our ability to win business, and efficiently and profitably serve our customers. He has provided thoughtful and strategic counsel, and we are grateful for his leadership and value the many contributions he has made to the company.”

Morris Tooker, head of middle & large commercial insurance, said: “Gretchen has played an instrumental role in the growth and success of our middle and large commercial business in our Western Division. A veteran of the insurance industry, she has worked diligently and passionately to outperform the competition. In this new role, she will be our chief strategist in Construction, Inland Marine, Excess Solutions and Complex Liability Solutions, as well as Media, Arts and Entertainment. It’s been inspiring to watch her drive and determination in action over the years and gratifying to see the way she motivates others. Under her leadership, our teams have successfully executed on book improvement and increased profits.”

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