RLI Corp., a US-based specialty insurer focused on property, casualty, and surety markets, has announced key leadership changes within its Claims organisation, effective April 1, 2026.
Cory Figiel has been appointed Chief Claim Officer, taking on responsibility for guiding strategy and overseeing operations across all claim functions. She succeeds Bob Handzel, who retired on March 31, 2026, after two decades with the company and a long-standing career in the insurance industry spanning 47 years.
Since joining RLI in 2016 as Director of Claim Counsel, Figiel has progressed through a series of senior roles. Most recently, as Vice President, Claim, she held executive oversight of Professional Liability, Environmental Liability, Executive Products, and Surety claims.
With nearly 20 years of combined legal and insurance experience, she steps into her new role with a strong background in complex claims leadership. Figiel earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and her Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
In a parallel promotion, Charles Spiekerman has been named Vice President, Claim. He will now lead the teams responsible for Professional Liability, Environmental Liability, Executive Products, and Surety claims.
Spiekerman joined the company in 2015 as a Claim Examiner and has steadily advanced through positions including Claim Manager, Claim Director, and Assistant Vice President of Professional Liability Claims. He brings 18 years of experience across legal and insurance disciplines. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
“These leadership transitions reflect RLI’s commitment to strong, collaborative leadership and thoughtful succession planning,” added RLI Corp. Chief Operating Officer Jen Klobnak.
“Cory and Charles have consistently delivered strong results and demonstrated a deep commitment to our people and customers. They will continue to play key roles in advancing our Claim organisation and delivering exceptional service.”
