Bithell Named Farmers Insurance VP and Chief Underwriting Officer

Los Angeles-based Farmers Insurance Group of Companies has appointed Susan Bithell vice president and chief underwriting officer. In her new role, Bithell will oversee the continued alignment of the company’s underwriting strategy, processes and methodology across a number of business units.

Bithell began her career with Farmers in 1983 as an auto underwriter in the Pocatello, Calif., regional office. In 1984 she moved to the Regional Marketing Department, where she held several positions including life representative, division agency manager, and regional marketing education manager. She was promoted in 1991 to zone life marketing manager in the company’s home office. In 2000 she moved to the newly-created position of director of customer advocacy. In 2001 Susan returned to field operations as the State Executive Director in Nevada. During her tenure there Farmers grew to No. 1 market share. Susan’s most recent assignment was as vice president and state executive director of Washington State.