Kemper Establishes Executive Protection Unit

Kemper has hired a team of professionals, including the former head of Chubb's Executive Risk Division, to establish a unit that specializes in executive protection insurance for both commercial and financial institutions. Executive protection programs provide coverages geared specifically to the specialty insurance needs of corporations and their directors, officers and other high-ranking executives.

Through the new unit, Kemper says, the company will offer directors' and officers' liability, fiduciary liability, employment practices liability, fidelity bond insurance and other specialized executive protection coverages. Kemper expects the new team to move quickly to build Kemper's presence in the field.

Gary Tully, who has been named executive vice president of American Protection Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Kemper flagship company, Lumbermens, heads the operation. Tully is former president and CEO of Chubb's Executive Risk division. He has 17 years experience in executive protection underwriting and management, all with Chubb. He also has experience in marketing and field administration in the U.S. and abroad. He will report to Douglas A. Batting, president of Kemper's Business Customer Group.

Also joining the team as senior vice presidents of the American Protection Insurance Company are Michael Furgueson and John Kuhn.

Furgueson is a 15-year Chubb veteran who most recently was a senior vice president of Chubb and manager of Chubb Executive Risk's global field operations. During his tenure with there, Furgueson served in a variety of roles including four years as Chubb's European Zone manager, based in London.

Kuhn was with Chubb for 13 years and was most recently a senior vice president and chief underwriting officer of Chubb's Executive Risk division. He has had responsibility for a number of different product lines and field management positions.

``This is a large, sophisticated, specialized market and Gary and his team are in a position to build and grow this business for Kemper,'' said Batting. ``They have the expertise and industry contacts to get this line moving.''

``I believe we are now among only a handful of companies that offer the array of products and services in greatest demand by the marketplace,'' said William D. Smith, Kemper president and chief operating officer. ``I am delighted to have Gary and his team on board, and am confident that they will quickly make Kemper a significant player in the executive protection business.''