Grange Insurance Names James President, CEO

Grange Insurance, based in Columbus, Ohio, named Robert V. James, 55, as president and CEO effective Jan. 18. Retiring president and CEO Phil Urban will serve in an advisory capacity until Feb. 26 to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities.

Bob has more than 36 years of experience in property/casualty insurance with companies such as Allstate, AIG, MetLife and CNA. Most recently, he held the position of senior vice president of mortgage operations and insurance executive at Bank of America, where he managed the bank’s consumer insurance, commercial insurance and reinsurance operations. Since July 2008, he has improved the company’s net income by $75 million. Prior to joining Bank of America he was the vice chairman, president and CEO of Countrywide Insurance Group.

“As a former agent, I have sold insurance across the kitchen table, at the diner over lunch and on the factory floor, so I understand the important role Grange independent agents play in the lives of their customers while contributing to the success of the company,” said James. “I’m looking forward to building on that success.”

Grange Insurance, with $2 billion in assets and $1.3 billion in annual revenue, is an insurance provider based in Columbus, Ohio. Through its network of independent agents, Grange offers auto, home, life and business insurance protection in Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin.

Source: Grange Insurance, www.grangeinsurance.com