RLI Corp. has confirmed that its Board of Directors has appointed Craig Kliethermes as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Jennifer Klobnak as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective January 1st, 2022.
The leadership changes come as RLI prepares for the retirement of current company Chairman and CEO, Jonathan Michael at the end of this year.
Kliethermes has served as the firm’s COO since 2016, having previously served as Senior Vice President, Risk Services since 2013. He first joined RLI in 2006 and has 36 years of insurance industry experience.
Earlier in his career, he held several actuarial and leadership roles with Lockton Companies, GE Insurance/Employers Reinsurance, and John Deere Insurance Company.
Since 2016, Klobnak has served as Senior Vice President, Operations. She previously served as Senior Vice President, Risk Services since 2014. Klobnak joined RLI in 2000 and has 21 years of industry experience.
Following his retirement next month, Michael will continue to serve as Chairman of the RLI Board of Directors, a role he has held since 2011. During his 20-year tenure as CEO, the firm significantly diversified its product portfolio, while delivering consistent top line growth and achieving 20 consecutive years of underwriting profit.
“Both Craig and Jen have the leadership track record and breadth of business experience necessary to guide our organization forward, including a strong customer orientation, commitment to our people and core values, and focus on delivering value to shareholders,” said Michael.
“This planned transition demonstrates the depth of our leadership team and long-term sustainability of our organization. I’m confident that RLI is well-positioned for continued success.”
Kliethermes commented: “I’m honored by the confidence the board has placed in me and want to thank Jon for his outstanding leadership and stewardship of RLI.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to lead the continued growth of our extraordinary company. RLI has talented and passionate employee owners at its core. I look forward to working with them to build on the solid foundation and legacy that Jon and RLI Founder Jerry Stephens established.”
Klobnak added: “Strong relationships with our agents, customers and employees have been integral to our company’s success.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the entire RLI team to enhance these relationships and advance our mission to protect customers from life’s uncertainties through industry-leading specialty risk management solutions, unmatched expertise and superior service.”
