Peter B. Lewis, the man behind massive growth andinnovation at Progressive Corp., died Nov. 23 at the age of 80.

As the CEO for 35 years, Lewis guided Progressive during theimplementation of many industry firsts: concierge claims service;the auto insurance industry's first website with rate comparisons;selling policies directly online; using consumers' credit historiesin underwriting; and development of a telematics program.

According to reports, Lewis died of a heart attack at his homein Coconut Grove, Fla. Lewis was CEO of the insurer, co-founded byhis father, until his retirement in 2000 but remained chairman ofthe board.

Progressive Corp. says CEO Glenn M. Renwick willbecome chairman of the board of directors. Hewill continue to serve as the insurer's president and CEO.

In 2012, National Underwriter Property & Casualtynamed Lewis to a list of 25 “Living Legends of Insurance.”

READ: #2 Peter Lewis: Progressive Thinker

Lewis told NU that during his first big industry speech45 years ago, he “predicted the end of the independent-agentbusiness and all the reasons why it was going to happen.”

“I was right,” he said. “The only problem is my time horizon. Itwon't happen in my lifetime.

“The independent agent today has something to offer and stillproduces over half our business. They are more efficient in certaincircumstances than a direct writer can be, and there is somethingabout auto insurance that makes people like having an agent inbetween them and [their carrier]. But it's irrational to think theycan survive forever. I wouldn't invest in an independentagency.”

Lewis said auto insurance customers hated their insurers, whorelied on agents to handle interactions. He thought qualitycustomer service could give the Mayfield Village, Ohio-basedinsurer a competitive edge. He said he became “committed to thecustomer at an increasingly psychopathic level—and boy, has thatapproach paid off.”

READ: Top25 Living Legends of Insurance — Slideshow

Lewis was additionally known for his philanthropy, having signedon to the Giving Pledge—made famous by billionaires Warren Buffetand Bill Gates—with a promise to give at least half his wealth tocharity. He has donated more than $200 million to PrincetonUniversity, where he graduated in 1955.

Lewis has also donated millions to organizations such as theMarijuana Policy Project, the Guggenheim Museum and the AmericanCivil Liberties Union.