Specialty insurer RLI has reported the promotions of three product leaders following the retirement of Dennis Drees, Vice President, Casualty Brokerage.
Drees joined RLI in 1994 as Director of Casualty, serving in various leadership roles before being promoted to his current role in 2014. His retirement is set for February 14, 2023, after a four-decade-long career in the insurance industry.
RLI President & CEO Craig Kliethermes, said, “Throughout his tenure, Dennis’ leadership and expertise have been invaluable to the success of RLI’s casualty business. We wish him all the best in his retirement.”
Bob Hartje, currently Vice President, Excess Liability, will assume the role of Vice President, Casualty Brokerage in Drees’ stead.
Hartje, an industry veteran of 38 years, joined RLI in 2013, where he’s since held a variety of casualty underwriting leadership positions.
Meanwhile, Chris Hughs, Assistant Vice President, Casualty has been promoted to Vice President, General Liability, effective January 1, 2023.
Hughs joined RLI in 1997, he has held a selection of casualty underwriting leadership positions throughout his tenure. In the new role, he will be responsible for the executive leadership of RLI’s General Liability business.
Chris Gleason, Assistant Vice President, Contract Surety has been promoted to Vice President, Contract Surety effective January 1, 2023.
Gleason will be responsible for the executive leadership of RLI’s Contract Surety business. Having joined RLI in 2003, he has held a range of contract surety underwriting leadership positions.
Kliethermes added, “I want to congratulate all three of our product leaders who are assuming expanded leadership roles. Their extensive industry and product expertise highlight the strength and depth of our team.
“I’m confident they will continue to help move our business forward and positively impact our customers and company.”
