Energy insurer Everen unveils COO succession plan

Energy insurer Everen has unveiled a succession plan that sees George Hutchings, its senior vice president and chief operating officer, retire at the end of 2023. Robert Foskey, senior vice president and chief actuary, will replace him, effective April 1, 2023. Hutchings will remain at Everen for the balance of 2023 as special advisor.

John Weisner, Everen’s chairman, said: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, the management team, and all of Everen’s employees, I want to thank George for the tremendous impact he has had on the organization over the past 18 years. A steadfast and strategic leader, George played a significant role in transforming the mutual insurer, including, the establishment of a highly cost effective capital structure, the introduction of a revised pricing methodology, the launch of a new way to cover windstorm losses, the creation of online data analytics for the membership, the development of several strategic plans and the full renaming and rebranding of the organization. The Board is sincerely grateful to George for his dedication to Everen and wishes him all the best in the next chapter of his life.

“While we will miss George, we are thrilled to welcome Rob to his new position in the organization. Since joining Everen in 2007, Rob has played an integral role in the company’s ongoing growth and I know that this track record of success will continue when he takes over as COO."

Bertil Olsson, president and CEO, added: “Since George joined the organization in 2005, Everen and the leadership team have grown the company’s capital base from $800 million to almost $3.5 billion today, using a conservative investment and capital management strategy. We have also added 33 new member insureds. During that same period, Everen returned value to its members by paying close to $3 billion in dividends. I am looking forward to working with Rob in his new role and am confident that he is the best choice for Everen’s next COO, as he continues to be an invaluable member of the senior leadership team.”

Hutchings said: "It has been an honor to serve as COO of Everen during this period of transformation and growth, and I want to offer my sincere thanks to our employees whose hard work and dedication have allowed us to achieve so much. I also want to thank our shareholders, my colleagues in our leadership team and the Board of Directors for their ongoing support. I have worked with Rob for many years and he is an excellent choice to take the reins as COO of Everen. I look forward to working closely together for the balance of the year to ensure a smooth transition."