Englewood, Colo.-based Colorado Casualty announced today thatKeith Braxton will succeed Donald E. Frette as president and chiefexecutive officer.

Mr. Braxton will take his post March 17 and Mr. Frette willretire in May, the company said. Mr. Frette has been with ColoradoCasualty, part of Liberty Mutual Agency Markets, a business unit ofLiberty Mutual Group, for 15 years.

The company said the new CEO's background includes serving as aregional vice president for Golden Eagle Insurance, also an AgencyMarkets company, based in San Diego.

With Golden Eagle Mr. Braxton was responsible for underwriting,agency management and policy service for the company's southernregion.

Mr. Frette joined Colorado Casualty in 1993 as executive vicepresident and was named president and CEO in 2001. The company saidthat under his leadership the insurer grew from an organizationwith $30 million in direct written premium and 30 employees to acarrier with more than $250 million in direct written premium andover 200 employees.

Scott Goodby, executive vice president and general manager,Liberty Mutual Agency Markets, said Mr. Braxton will inherit “ahigh-performance management team and organization, which is atestament to Don's strong leadership.”

Before his stint with Golden Eagle Insurance, Mr. Braxton wasvice president of distribution management for Wausau Insurance forfive years and also formerly served as vice president of marketingfor Colorado-based Pinnacol Assurance.

Colorado Casualty offers property and casualty products,including personal and commercial coverage, distributed throughappointed independent agents. The company operates in Arizona,Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.