The Hartford realigns senior leadership

The Hartford has made a number of changes to its senior leadership team.

Doug Elliot, who assumed the role of president in July, will expand his responsibilities to include oversight for consumer markets. He will now be accountable for all of the company's property and casualty (P&C) lines of business, in addition to group benefits and claims.

Bill Bloom will re-join The Hartford as executive vice president (EVP) of operations and technology. In this new role, Bloom will assume day-to-day responsibility of the information technology and operations organizations, as well as the company's technology strategy. Bloom joins The Hartford from EXL, where he was president, global clients.

Brion Johnson, chief investment officer and president of Hartford Investment Management Company, will also oversee Talcott Resolution, the company's runoff annuity operations. Succeeding Beth Bombara, who was appointed chief financial officer, Johnson and the Talcott Resolution team will continue to focus on reducing the size and risk of the company's legacy annuity liabilities, while continuing to fulfil commitments to contract holders.

Ray Sprague has been named executive vice president of strategy and business development. Previously, he led the insurer’s small commercial business. In his new role, Sprague will be responsible for The Hartford's enterprise strategy to drive profitable growth, working closely with the businesses to identify new product and distribution opportunities, and other growth initiatives. In addition, Sprague will serve as acting leader for consumer markets. Andy Napoli, president of consumer markets and head of enterprise business services, has left.

Stephanie Bush will assume leadership of small commercial, reporting to Elliot. Bush, who rejoined The Hartford in 2013 from Travelers, is currently chief product and underwriting officer for small commercial.

"Today's appointments will provide increased alignment, focus and accountability to enable us to deliver greater value to our customers and partners, and our shareholders," said The Hartford's chief executive officer, Christopher Swift.

"These executives are all proven leaders with excellent track records of delivering results, and I am thrilled they are taking on these roles. The new structure will provide the necessary leadership for us to continue advancing our strategy to profitably grow the property & casualty, group benefits and mutual funds businesses, reduce the size and risk of Talcott Resolution and become a more efficient and effective organisation."