Incoming Alabama Gov. Bentley to Keep Ridling As Insurance Chief

Incumbent Alabama Commissioner of Insurance Jim L. Ridling will continue in that role in the new administration of Governor-elect Robert Bentley. Ridling has served as commissioner since 2008.

“Jim Ridling is a respected insurance professional with many years of valuable experience. It is important that we have an insurance commissioner with an in-depth understanding of the industry and its impact on the daily lives of virtually all Alabamians. I look forward to working with Commissioner Ridling to resolve insurance issues that are so important to our citizens,” said Bentley in a press statement.

Ridling’s insurance career began in 1967 with Fireman’s Fund Insurance as a management trainee. He rose to become executive vice president of that insurer’s U.S. branch operations, leaving to become president and chief executive officer of Southern Guaranty, an insurance company headquartered in Montgomery. He was named chairman soon after and held that position until retirement in 2003.

After retiring from Southern Guaranty, Ridling and other local business leaders formed River Bank and Trust in Montgomery where he serves as vice chairman.