Property/casualty specialty insurer RLI Corp. said current CEO Jonathan Michael is retiring at the end of 2021, and RLI Insurance President and Chief Operating Officer Craig Kliethermes will succeed him.

Michael’s official retirement day is Dec. 31, 2021, which will cap at 20-year period as the company’s CEO. He’ll remain, however, as Chairman of the Board, a position he’s had since 2011.

Michael added that he’ll be working with Kliethermes over the next year to ensure a smooth transition.

Kliethermes, who was promoted to RLI Insurance Company President & COO in 2016, will assume the role of RLI Corp. President & COO and be appointed to the Board of Directors, all effective on January 1, 2021. Previously, he served as Senior Vice President, Risk Services since 2013. Kliethermes joined RLI in 2006 and has 35 years of industry experience. Prior to joining RLI, he served in leadership roles with Lockton Companies, GE Insurance/Employers Reinsurance and John Deere Insurance Company.

RLI Corp. is a specialty insurer serving niche property, casualty and surety markets. The company provides deep underwriting expertise and superior service to commercial and personal lines customers nationwide. RLI’s products are offered through its insurance subsidiaries RLI Insurance Company, Mt. Hawley Insurance Company and Contractors Bonding and Insurance Company.

Source: RLI Corp.