Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), a leadingproperty/casualty and professional liability insurance company forniche markets, has named Robert (Bob) D. O'Leary as its newpresident and CEO, effective immediately. O'Learypreviously serves as PHLY's executive vice president and chiefmarketing officer. Sean Sweeney, in office for just amonth, is stepping down as CEO of PHLY for personalreasons.

“Bob has been a significant influence on the success andexpansion of PHLY's operations during his 30 years with thecompany,” said Jamie Maguire, PHLY's chairman and, until Jan. 1,its CEO. “I look forward to working with Bob to continueour tradition of excellence, superior service, and partnershipswith the communities we serve.”

“I am excited to assume this new role and look forward tobuilding new relationships and growth opportunities for PHLY andits partners,” said O'Leary. “We have an exceptionallytalented group of employees who are committed to making PHLY theleading provider of specialized insurance products andservices.”

O'Leary's insurance career began in 1977 as a salesrepresentative for American Mutual Insurance. Five years later hejoined Maguire Insurance Agency (the original marketing name ofPhiladelphia Insurance Companies) as a regional manager for NewEngland. He was named regional vice president of PHLY in 1986and managed the Great Lakes area in addition to New England and NewYork. In 2006, he was named senior vice president for theEastern Territory, and two years later he was promoted to EVP ofMarketing. O'Leary assumed the role of chief marketingofficer a year ago.