Johns Appointed President of Argonaut’s Specialty Commercial Group

San Antonio-based Argonaut Group Inc. announced it has appointed B. Thomas Johns as president of its Specialty Commercial Group. Johns is currently senior vice president and chief underwriting officer of Argonaut subsidiary, Colony Group.

Argonaut Group’s Specialty Commercial Group is comprised of Great Central Insurance Company, Rockwood Casualty Insurance Company and Grocers Insurance, the most recent addition to the segment, specializing in food merchants. Argonaut Group said its Specialty Commercial Group is known for tailor made products and services for food merchants, restaurants, churches and dry cleaners.

“I am pleased that one of our dedicated and experienced executives has accepted the opportunity to guide this segment of our business,” said Mark E. Watson III, president and chief executive officer of Argonaut Group Inc. “Tom has over thirty years of industry experience and a proven track record of superior results and excellent leadership skills. I look forward to watching the Specialty Commercial Group develop and grow under Tom’s leadership.”

“This is an outstanding opportunity to continue the growth of Argonaut Group’s Specialty Commercial Group,” Johns added. “I look forward to leveraging the assets of this segment to enhance the quality and breadth of products and services currently offered in the marketplace.”

Johns joined Argonaut Group as the senior vice president of special projects for Colony Group in June 2002. In February 2003, Johns was also named chief underwriting officer of Colony Group. Prior to joining Argonaut Group, he served in various capacities with General Re Corporation, ACE Westchester Specialty Group and American International Group Inc.

Topics Commercial Lines Excess Surplus