CHICAGO, Aug. 7, 2014 /CNW/ -- CNA Financial Corporation (NYSE: CNA) today announced the appointment of John Hennessy to president and chief operating officer of CNA Canada. Following a transition, the appointment will be effective in mid-September. John will be responsible for executing profitable growth strategies for the global insurer's Canadian operations. He will report to David Brosnan, chief executive of Hardy and chief executive of CNA Insurance Company Limited (CNA Europe).
"John is a proven leader who has a successful track record of expanding our international capabilities. I am confident that his knowledge of international markets along with his strong underwriting background will further enhance our position as a global leader," said Thomas F. Motamed, chairman and chief executive officer, CNA.
John most recently served as chief executive of CNA Europe, where he spent more than five years working to grow the company's international operations in Europe.
John first joined CNA in 1982. During his 32-year career with CNA, he has served in multiple home office and field leadership roles, including: Milwaukee Branch manager; Central Region president; senior vice president for Casualty Underwriting and Middle Market; and senior vice president of Distribution Management.
John is replacing Gary Owcar, the current leader of CNA's Canadian operations. Gary plans to retire on 15 September 2014. He joined CNA in 1999, and in 2001, went to lead the company's global operations, based in London. As his responsibilities expanded, he moved to Chicago in 2003, to lead all of standard commercial lines. In 2006, he retired from CNA to pursue two start-up ventures in consulting and insurance brokering.
"In 2009, I asked Gary to suspend his retirement to lead Canada for CNA. I commend Gary on his leadership and thank him for the critical role he played in expanding our multinational capabilities," Motamed said.
Earlier today, CNA announced the appointment of David Brosnan as chief executive of CNA Europe. This appointment follows approval by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), and will become effective on 18 August 2014.
Dave will continue to serve as the chief executive of Hardy, and report to Tom Motamed, chairman of the Hardy Board of Directors and chairman and chief executive officer of CNA. Tom will assume the role of chairman of the CNA Europe Board of Directors, subject to approval by the PRA.
Serving businesses and professionals since 1897, CNA is the country's eighth largest commercial insurance writer and the 13th largest property and casualty company. CNA's insurance products include standard commercial lines, specialty lines, surety, marine and other property and casualty coverages. CNA's services include risk management, information services, underwriting, risk control and claims administration. For more information, please visit CNA at www.cna.com. "CNA" is a service mark registered by CNA Financial Corporation with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Certain CNA Financial Corporation subsidiaries use the "CNA" service mark in connection with insurance underwriting and claims activities.
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SOURCE CNA Financial Corporation