(Boca Raton, FL, Oct. 23, 2015)— Russell M. Johnston, National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) board chair and AIG executive, today announced that the Board has elected William (Bill) E. Donnell as its new President & Chief Executive Officer, effective December 7, 2015.
Mr. Donnell will succeed Stephen J. Klingel, the company’s current President & CEO, who is retiring in February, 2016. The overlap will provide a smooth transition for the industry and stakeholders. Mr. Donnell is currently the President, US Property and Casualty Reinsurance for Swiss Re America Holding Corporation. He has served in various leadership positions at Swiss Re, GE Insurance Solutions, Universal Underwriters and Crum & Forster Holdings Corp. Mr. Donnell received a B.S. in Management and Labor Relations from Colorado State University, CPCU and ARM designations, and executive training from organizations including Swiss Re, GE, Kellogg School of Management and AMA.
Gary Thompson, former NCCI board chair and retired Hartford executive, headed NCCI's Search Committee for the CEO position. "We conducted an extensive nationwide search to find the ideal person with the talent, knowledge, and experience to lead the organization," said Mr. Thompson. "Bill should be a perfect fit for NCCI. His impressive accomplishments and commitment to excellence and values strongly align with NCCI's culture," continued Mr. Thompson. Mr. Donnell's 30 plus years of domestic and global insurance experience include executive responsibility for business strategy, branding, customer service, financial plans, market leadership, employee engagement, technology, and more.
"NCCI is an icon within the insurance industry," said Mr. Donnell. "Over time, it has built a reputation for unparalleled quality and integrity while providing the foundation for the workers compensation line nationwide. I look forward to working with the NCCI team to build on this record of success," he continued.
Steve Klingel noted, "While it has been my honor to lead this organization for the past 13 years, I believe Bill is the right person at the right time to take the helm of NCCI and I look forward to making this a smooth transition."
"We are sorry to see Bill leave Swiss Re because of the great job he has done, but we are happy that he is going to such an important, well-respected organization in the industry," Eric Smith, President and CEO, Swiss Re Americas, said. "Bill's deep industry insight will no doubt prove to be an asset to NCCI."
Mr. Johnston added his congratulations to Bill and went on to say, "The insurance industry owes Steve Klingel a debt of gratitude for outstanding leadership. During his tenure, the organization consistently executed its mission and met or exceeded the vast majority of its goals. I wish Steve and his wife, Sally, the very best in the years to come."
NCCI is the nation’s most comprehensive source of workers compensation insurance information. We gather data, analyze industry trends, and prepare objective insurance rate and loss cost recommendations. These activities, together with our research, analytical services and tools, and overall commitment to excellence, help foster a healthy workers compensation system.
