Ohio Bancinsurance Corp. Founder, Chairman, CEO Passes Away

Columbus, Ohio-based Bancinsurance Corp. a specialty property and casualty insurance holding company, announced that Si Sokol, founder, former chairman and chief executive officer, passed away on Tuesday, July 3, 2007. Sokol recently retired from the company following a 37-year career with Bancinsurance Corp.. He served as chairman of the Board since the company was formed in 1970 and as its CEO from 1980 until his retirement.

Sokol, 79, was born in Columbus, Ohio on Dec. 22, 1927. He began his professional career at the Sokol Insurance Agency, was co-founder of the Beverlee Drive-In restaurant chain, and then established his own company, Si Sokol & Associates, specializing in community bank mergers and acquisitions. He created Bancinsurance Corp. in 1970 and served as its chairman. Bancinsurance has approximately $60 million in revenues, over $120 million in assets and writes business in 48 states. In 2005, Bancinsurance was recognized as one of Columbus’ Best Places to Work.

Sokol is survived by his wife of 49 years, Barbara Klass Sokol; sons John Sokol and his wife Elizabeth, and James Sokol; daughter Carla Sokol; brothers Saul Sokol and Mal Sokol; and three grandchildren.

Bancinsurance Corp. is principally engaged through its property and casualty insurance subsidiary, Ohio Indemnity Company, in underwriting specialty insurance.

Source: Bancinsurance Corp.