The Hartford reveals change in leadership to boost investment performance

US-based property/casualty insurer The Hartford has appointed Amy Stepnowski to the positions of chief investment officer (CIO), and president of Hartford Investment Management Company (HIMCO).

She will succeed Brion Johnson who will remain with the company in an advisory capacity through the end of 2020.

Stepnowski is currently managing director and head of public credit research at HIMCO, where she has worked since 2008 in roles of increasing scope and responsibility. She joined the company as a vice president and senior research analyst for emerging markets, and then moved to the high yield team where she covered a wide range of industries including media, energy and power. Prior to joining the company, Stepnowski worked for 12 years specializing in Latin American corporate and project finance at JP Morgan Chase & Co., where she worked most recently as a managing director.

Johnson joined the company in October 2011 as chief financial officer and head of strategy for planning and development at HIMCO. He held roles of increasing responsibility, including his position as head of Talcott Resolution.

“Amy has an impressive investment background with deep knowledge of a wide variety of sectors, and is a respected leader and mentor among HIMCO employees,” said The Hartford’s chairman and CEO Christopher Swift. “She has a proven track record of delivering on The Hartford’s strategic priorities and goals. As Chief Investment Offer and President of HIMCO, Amy will continue to execute on our objectives of achieving strong investment performance and return value to shareholders with balanced risk-taking.”

Swift added: “We thank Brion for his many contributions, especially overseeing the company’s investment strategy during a period of transformation. He is highly respected for his versatility as an investment executive and a role model for leadership, and has built a strong, capable team that is well-positioned for an outstanding future. Under his leadership, HIMCO and The Hartford maintained strong investment performance and exceeded strategic goals. Brion also oversaw the run-off annuity business, Talcott Resolution, and was instrumental in its sale in 2018, which was a major milestone for The Hartford.”