Travelers Cos. Personal Auto And Home Insurance Head Announces Departure

Joseph P. Lacher Jr., 39, the head of The Travelers Cos. personal auto and home insurance business, is leaving the company “to pursue other career opportunities,” and the company said Wednesday his departure “has nothing to do with the performance of the business.”

Doreen Spadorcia, who serves as executive vice president and CEO of claim services, will assume the additional role of chief executive officer of personal insurance, one of Travelers’ businesses that are based in Hartford.

Greg Toczydlowski, who is senior vice president of personal insurance, has been promoted to executive vice president and president of personal insurance, reporting to Spadorcia.

“We are very grateful to Joe for his significant contributions to Travelers’ success for so many years and the strong businesses he has helped build,” said Travelers Chairman and Chief Executive Jay S. Fishman.

Lacher, he noted, has recently overseen the expansion of the personal insurance and select accounts operations, including the development of direct-to-consumer sales. Travelers has sold most of its auto insurance through independent agents.

No further information was available Wednesday on Lacher’s future plans.