US-based insurer The Hartford has appointed Morris “Mo” Tooker as its next Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 March, 2027.
Tooker will succeed Christopher Swift, who will transition to the role of Executive Chair of the Board, also effective 1 March, 2027. Additionally, Tooker will join the board, effective 1 October, 2026.
Tooker has been with The Hartford since 2015, when he joined as Chief Underwriting Officer and has served in successive leadership roles of increasing responsibility throughout the years.
Currently, he serves as the President, leading the business performance, strategy and enterprise-wide execution.
At The Hartford, Tooker has advanced underwriting capabilities, expanded risk appetite and grown risk-mitigation services across the enterprise to help customers prevent loss and build resilience.
He has also fostered greater collaboration across business units by implementing a holistic go-to-market approach, drawing on the company’s collective strengths, insights and expertise to deliver more value for customers and distribution partners.
Trevor Fetter, Lead Independent Director, Board of Directors, The Hartford, commented, “This thoughtful succession plan ensures a seamless transition, preserving strategic continuity, business momentum and operational strength.
“Respected throughout the insurance industry, Mo combines strategic vision with disciplined execution. He has consistently delivered profitable growth, advanced customer-centered innovation, upheld underwriting rigor and built strong, aligned teams. He is ideally suited to lead as CEO and guide The Hartford’s next chapter.”
Tooker added, “I am excited and inspired to lead The Hartford during this time of extraordinary opportunity. As a result of Chris’ tremendous vision and leadership, we are exceptionally well-positioned for the future with financial strength, a disciplined strategy and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With our competitive advantages, talented teams and focus on innovation, we are poised to excel and create lasting value for all our stakeholders.”
Swift will transition to his new role after nearly 13 years as CEO, including over 12 years as Chairman. During his tenure as CEO and CFO, he helped the insurer become more focused and disciplined, strengthened its financial profile, more than tripled net income ROE, and drove a more than eightfold increase in share price.
In his new role, Swift will lead the Board of Directors, help guide and oversee corporate strategy and serve as an advisor to the CEO. His role will support a seamless transition and facilitate continuity, as Swift will also continue various community engagements, including leading the City of Hartford’s Vision Committee. He intends to step down from his role as Executive Chair in the second half of 2027.
Fetter said, “On behalf of the board, I would like to express our deep gratitude for Chris’ leadership. He has made a profound impact on The Hartford, the insurance industry and communities across the country. His enduring legacy includes market-leading financial results, a high-performance culture and a leadership style grounded in empathy and putting people first.”
Swift added, “It has been an honor to serve as CEO of this iconic company. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, elevating The Hartford to new levels of success and sustaining strong performance. Mo is an outstanding leader, remarkable person and a trusted industry authority. The strength of our succession planning and depth of talent across the organization gives me the utmost confidence in The Hartford’s bright future.”
