The Hartford personal lines leader steps down after 30 years

The Hartford, a US-based property/casualty insurer, has appointed Stephanie Bush to lead personal lines, replacing Ray Sprague, who is retiring after a 30-year career with the company.

Bush, who has led the small commercial business since July 2014, will expand her responsibilities to include oversight for personal lines. She will continue to report to The Hartford’s president Doug Elliot.

Bush returned to The Hartford in 2013 as chief product and underwriting officer for small commercial, and was promoted to head of the business in 2014. Under her leadership, The Hartford completed the acquisition of Maxum, an excess and surplus (E&S) lines insurer, and expanded its focus on micro-business.

Previously, Bush was senior vice president of product management in personal insurance at Travelers, and prior to that she spent 20 years at The Hartford in positions of increasing responsibility in commercial insurance product, underwriting and field operations. Bush is on the board of directors of the National Council on Compensation Insurance.

"Stephanie has a strong track record of success in both Small Commercial and Personal Lines, and I am confident that under her leadership we will build on each business’ strengths," said Elliot. "Bringing a greater focus on the use of data and digital technology will improve the way we operate and deliver increased value to customers and distribution channels."

Sprague joined The Hartford in 1985 and has held leadership positions across the enterprise, most recently leading personal lines. Prior to that, Sprague led small commercial where he spearheaded major improvements to product offerings and the ICON system.

Elliot added: "Over his three decades at The Hartford, Ray has been known for his focus on the customer, innovative thinking, and passion for execution. Ray’s leadership has kept The Hartford as the industry leader in small business insurance, and I want to thank him for his impressive service and dedication to the company."

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