Ohio News

Business Moves

Munich Re German reinsurer Munich Re has successfully concluded the acquisition of specialty insurer HSB Group from American International Group for $739 million. The deal was originally announced last December. The purchase price in cash was financed by Munich Re …

People

Ron Wright, chief operating officer of Texas Mutual Insurance Co. since 1997, is set to become president and CEO of the company effective Sept. 1, 2009. Wright will succeed Russell R. Oliver, who announced his retirement in February. Oliver has …

Business Moves

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Columbus, Ohio-based Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. on April 3 laid off 480 employees and contractors across the country, a spokesman said. Nationwide has eliminated about 3,000 jobs nationally in the past two years. The company lost $342 …

New Markets

The following markets were selected from the MyNewMarkets database of 25,000 coverages and programs. To find additional markets, or to submit markets, go to www.MyNewMarkets.com. Technology Errors & Omissions Market Detail: Chamber Insurance Agency Services gives agents access to an …

J.M. Wilson in Michigan Promotes Kiser to Personal Lines Manager

Portage, Michigan-based managing general insurance agency J.M. Wilson has promoted Stacey Kiser to manager of Personal Lines and assistant manager of Property/Casualty. She will oversee the day-to-day activities of the Personal Lines department, serving customers in Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, …

Texting and Driving to Mean Ticketing in Cleveland, Ohio

Cleveland, Ohio’s city council has voted to outlaw text-messaging while driving in the city. The proposal approved by council members on April 13 now goes to Mayor Frank Jackson and would take effect 90 days after he signs it. Members …

Best Revises Liberty Mutual Group Outlook to Negative; Affirms Ratings

A.M. Best Co. has revised the outlook to negative from stable for the financial strength (FSR) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of Liberty Mutual Group, Inc. (LMGI), Liberty Mutual Insurance Companies and Liberty Insurance Holdings (LIH) and their members, as …

Ohio Tells Businesses to Stop Selling Insurance Without License

Ohio Department of Insurance Director Mary Jo Hudson has issued a cease and desist order against Thomas J. Sullivan of Turnersville, N.J., and eight companies for allegedly selling insurance products without a license. Phony insurance plans are a serious problem, …

Farmers Insurance Promotes Matlock to VP

Farmers Insurance has promoted Bill Matlock, state executive director, Los Angeles Market, to vice president field operations, Los Angeles Market. Matlock joined the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies in September 1990 as a management trainee in the Columbus, Ohio, regional …

Connecticut Woman Injured in Chimp Attack Blind for Life

Doctors say a Connecticut woman who was nearly killed by a chimpanzee suffered such damage to her eyes that she will be blind for life. Doctors say Charla Nash is improving, but faces two years of surgical procedures. Nash is …