James A. Yano Named State Auto General Counsel

State Auto Financial Corp. has announced the appointment of James A. (Jay) Yano of Columbus, Ohio as vice president, secretary and general counsel.

Yano replaces John R. Lowther, who announced his retirement in November 2006. Lowther remains with State Auto as a senior advisor after serving as acting general counsel during the search for his successor.

Before serving the past two years as senior vice president, secretary and general counsel of Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Yano spent 28 years with the Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease law firm of Columbus. He led their insurance, corporate and regulatory practice, including work in mergers and acquisitions, state department of insurance regulation, and the formation and liquidation of insurance companies and agencies.

State Auto Financial Corp., headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, is a regional property and casualty insurance holding company.

Source: State Auto Financial Corp.