USAA has named Julie McPeak as senior vice president, general counsel for Insurance. She will oversee both the P&C and Life Company legal teams for USAA.
McPeak joins USAA from Root Inc., where she served as senior deputy general counsel since 2020. She has nearly 30 years of experience that includes serving as the commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance for eight years. She also served as executive director of the Kentucky Office of Insurance, after rising through the ranks during her 10 years there. She was the first woman to hold the position of chief insurance regulator in more than one state and was president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2018.
“We’re excited to have a leader of Julie’s caliber join our team,” said USAA Chief Legal Officer Bob Johnson. “Her deep legal and industry experience makes her the perfect fit for USAA as we build on our 100-year legacy of serving military families and maintain our strength as one of the largest insurance providers in the nation.”
***
GEICO announced that Shannon Hobbs has joined the company as its new chief people officer. She will oversee GEICO’s corporate HR, compensation and benefits, recruiting, talent development, continuing education, leadership/management training, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement efforts.
Prior to joining GEICO, Hobbs was senior vice president and chief human resources officer for American Century Investments. Before that, she served in key HR leadership roles for 10 years at JPMorgan Chase.
“GEICO has a strong foundation of programs and benefits that support our associates. I look forward to continuing to enhance our support systems to ensure our associates are thriving and advancing, while also maintaining exceptional work/life balance which focuses on their well-being,” said Hobbs.
***
Old Republic International Corporation announced changes within the senior management ranks of two Old Republic General Insurance Group subsidiaries.
PMA Companies has named John Santulli as executive chairman and Derek Hopper as president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. Vince Donnelly has announced his retirement as Executive Chairman.
At Great West Casualty Company, effective July 1, 2022, Jim Jensen will become executive chairman, Great West Holdings, and Steve Olson, who is currently president of GWCC, will become president and chief executive officer.
“These appointments reflect thoughtful succession planning within Old Republic’s holding company system. Derek and Steve each have a 30-year track record at their respective companies, and we are confident they will continue to lead with a clear vision for the future. John and Jim’s appointments will ensure a seamless transition at PMA and Great West,” said Craig R. Smiddy, Old Republic International’s president and CEO, in a statement. “We thank Vince for his many years of dedicated service and leadership at PMA.”