Hendry Named COO For Countrywide Group

Countrywide Insurance Group in Calabasas, Calif., said Myron Hendry has been named managing director and chief operating officer.

Mr. Hendry, the firm said, is a 30-year industry veteran who will be tasked with ensuring that Countrywide Insurance Group has “world-class infrastructure, customer support and corporate governance to support the aggressive growth plans of Countrywide's insurance subsidiary.”

The insurance unit has grown its business from $449 million in net premiums earned in 1995 to $948 million in 2006, Countrywide said.

Additionally, the company said Mr. Hendry will be responsible for supporting growth enabled by key initiatives for Countrywide Insurance Group, such as nationwide expansion of its new auto insurance program and the availability of its new home warranty product.

The initiatives were described by Countrywide as natural extensions of its existing homeowners insurance business and, as a suite of offerings, address the insurance needs of its parent company's home loan customers.

Bob James, president and chief executive officer of Countrywide Insurance Group, said Mr. Hendry would help establish a “stronger customer-centric and scalable insurance organization,” and will work closely with insurance group executives Ron Closser, Mark McElroy and Dave Kuhn.

Prior to his latest appointment, Mr. Hendry was responsible for overseeing Countrywide Insurance Group's central operations, claims and information technology.

Countrywide Insurance Group is a member of the Countrywide Financial Corp. family of companies.

The group provides institutional, commercial and personal lines insurance products to financial institutions, businesses and consumers.