A former Connecticut insurance commissioner is joining AIG as its new executive vice president, Government Affairs, Public Policy and Communications.

Thomas Leonardi takes on his new role as of Nov. 1. He’ll report to AIG CEO Brian Duperreault and oversee AIG’s global public policy and government affairs, with a mission to build clear lines of communications with regulators that oversee AIG at the state, federal and international levels.

Leonardi has also previously worked as an investment banker and venture capitalist. Duperreault noted that he served with Leonardi on the Board of the Federal Advisory Committee on Insurance, and liked what he saw.

“I know him to be an excellent businessman and accomplished entrepreneur,” Dupperault said in prepared remarks. “His knowledge of the insurance industry and the regulatory environment gained during his time in the private and public sectors will be an asset to AIG as we position the company for future growth.”

Leonardi will work closely with Lucy Fato, executive vice president and General Counsel, who will continue to oversee global regulatory matters as well as AIG’s legal and compliance departments. He’ll also oversee AIG’s corporate communications and marketing.

Previously, Leonardi was at Evercore, where he served as senior advisor to the firm’s Investment Advisory business, with a focus on the insurance industry. Before Evercore, Leonardi was head of the Connecticut Insurance Department. Previous to that, Leonardy was founder, chairman and CEO of Northington Partners Inc., an NASD broker dealer, venture capital, private equity and investment banking boutique specializing in the insurance industry.

Leonardi said he worked as an advisor to AIG while at Evercore.

“I understand where the company has been and more importantly, the potential for its future,” Leonardi said in prepared remarks. “I am encouraged by the changes that [Duperreault] has already put in motion so early in his tenure, and I look forward to being part of AIG’s next chapter as a leader in the industry.”

Source: AIG