Joseph P. Lacher, Jr., has joined Kemper Corporation as president, chief executive officer, and a member of the Kemper board of directors. The company also has appointed Robert J. Joyce non-executive chairman of its board of directors.
In conjunction with the appointments, Donald G. Southwell, who had previously announced his plans to retire, has relinquished his positions as Kemper's chairman, president, and chief executive officer as well as his position on the board of directors. He is expected to serve as a senior advisor to the company until his retirement on May 26, 2016.
“Joe is an experienced and well-regarded insurance executive with a strong track record of delivering results. We are excited about Kemper's future, given Joe's leadership ability and deep industry experience, coupled with the strong Kemper team,” said Mr. Joyce. “We are proud of the Kemper history and appreciate all Don's accomplishments during these past 20 years with the company.”
“I look forward to helping the Kemper team realize our full potential,” said Mr. Lacher. “We are committed to fulfilling our promises to our policyholders, enhancing the strong relationships with our agents, and delivering for our shareholders. This is a tremendous opportunity to join an already strong Kemper team.”
Mr. Lacher previously served in several senior executive roles in the insurance industry. He was president of Allstate Protection, where he led all of the company's property and casualty offerings. Prior to Allstate, he spent 18 years at the Travelers Companies, most recently serving as executive vice president of personal lines and select accounts.
Mr. Lacher earned his B.S in aerospace engineering from the University of Notre Dame.
Learn more: http://www.kemper.com/.
Victoria Spears
Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].