Horace Mann Educators Corporation announced today that Stephen P. Cardinal will be leading the property/casualty business effective immediately, as Executive Vice President, Property and Casualty.

Cardinal succeeds Thomas C. Wilkinson, who will retire at the end of the year.

In his new role, Cardinal will be responsible for all facets of P/C strategy and operations, including the development of a full suite of products that protect the short-term risks of educator customers throughout their lifetime, as well as moving the organization closer to achieving its financial goals.

To assist Cardinal, Horace Mann announced that William J. Caldwell, Jr. will join the company on Nov. 4 in the newly created role of Senior Vice President, Personal Lines.

Caldwell joins Horace Mann from QBE North America. He served as Head of Property Product at QBE and Senior Vice President of Product Management at Bank of America.

“The appointment of a seasoned Horace Mann leader that deeply understands the needs and purchasing habits of our niche educator market, combined with the hiring of Bill Caldwell, an innovative executive with extensive personal lines insurance experience and industry knowledge, bodes well for the future success of our Property and Casualty business,” said Marita Zuraitis, President and CEO, in a statement.

Zuraitis said the the distribution and marketing functions that previously reported to Cardinal will report directly to her.

“These changes put us on the right path to achieve our vision of being a more dominant player, providing top tier customer experiences and delivering segmented products to our educator customer base,” added Zuraitis.

Cardinal joined Horace Mann in 2008 as Executive Vice President, Marketing, and has over 20 years of experience in the insurance and financial services industry. His career has included positions of increasing responsibility at MetLife, Allstate and Countrywide Insurance Services.

Caldwell has over 20 years of insurance industry experience. He has spent his career in positions of increasing responsibility at QBE North America, Bank of America, Unitrin, eCoverage, GE and Liberty Mutual.

Horace Mann, focusing on educators’ financial needs, provides auto and homeowners insurance, retirement annuities, life insurance and other financial solutions.

Source: Horace Mann Educators Corporation