Liam E. McGee, the chief executive of The Hartford says surgery to remove a tumor on his brain was successful and he is returning to work today.

The chairman, president and CEO of the Hartford, Conn.-based insurer released a statement Friday after the markets closed revealing the surgery.

McGee says a small tumor “in an easily accessible location on the brain” was operated on and post-surgical tests confirm that the entire tumor was removed. He says there were no symptoms prior to surgery, but provided no additional details.

“The good news is that the tumor was identified early and the procedure went well,” he says in a statement. “I am feeling great, as well as quite fortunate. I have no side effects from the surgery or the tumor itself. I have been working from home and will be back in the office on Monday, fully preforming my normal duties. In an abundance of caution, the doctors and I have agreed on a low-dose chemotherapy and radiation treatment and we expect minimal side effects.”

In the same statement, Thomas A. Renyi, presiding director of The Hartford says McGee kept the board informed of events and the board was supportive of the chief executive.

In a letter to employees, McGee says the surgery took place over the holidays adding that he was surprised to learn of the tumor.

A company spokesperson says McGee learned about the tumor after visiting the doctor on an unrelated matter. He continued to perform his duties as CEO during the period of his medical treatment.

The spokesperson says McGee is still planning to attend the Joint Industry Forum in New York on Tuesday.

Under McGee the company has restructured its business with greater emphasis on its property and casualty lines.

In September, the company sold off its Hartford Financial Services Group's individual life business to Prudential Financial for $615 million. It was one in a series of sales where the company has exited some aspects of the financial services business. In July, it sold off its Woodbury Financial Services to American International Group and its retirement plans business to Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. in September.

Moody's Investor Service says the sales allow the company to focus on other more important lines such as P&C, group benefits and mutual funds.

On what was proving to be a down day for the stock markets overall, The Hartford's shares were down 27 cents by mid-day and closed down 8 cents a share on the day at $23.82.

Before joining the Hartford, McGee, 57, was president of Bank of America Consumer and Small Business Bank.

Special Reports /

Hartford CEO McGee Has Successful Surgery to Remove Brain Tumor

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