The Hanover names Aetna exec as president, CEO & director

The Hanover Insurance Group has named Joseph Zubretsky as president, chief executive officer, and director, effective June 20.

Zubretsky succeeds Frederick Eppinger, who last fall announced his intention to retire. They will work closely in the coming weeks to manage a smooth transition in leadership.

Zubretsky has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industries. He joins The Hanover after almost nine years at Aetna, a Fortune 50 insurer, where he served most recently as chief executive officer at Healthagen Holdings, a group of healthcare services and information technology companies, and a member of Aetna's executive committee.

Prior to that, he was senior executive vice president leading National Businesses, a $10 billion Aetna flagship business that provides health solutions to multi-national companies, and Aetna's executive vice president and chief financial officer.

"We are thrilled to welcome Joe to The Hanover," said Michael Angelini, chairman of The Hanover's board of directors. "He brings broad insurance experience, a deep understanding of the independent agency distribution channel, a strategic orientation, risk management expertise, and an impressive record of building market-leading companies.

He added: “Our board is confident that he is uniquely qualified to work with our exceptional leadership team to continue our company's success and expand our business. We have every expectation that Joe and our team will take our company to the next level."

Zubretsky commented: "I am excited to have the opportunity to join this great company. I have tremendous respect for the organisation, its values and its talented employees.

“I look forward to working with the outstanding team at The Hanover, to build on the company's excellent market position, deliver high-quality insurance solutions, strong and sustainable profitable growth, and superior value for our shareholders and all of our other stakeholders."