The Hanover Expands its Presence in the West, Launching New Pacific Region

WORCESTER, Mass., April 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG), a leading provider of property and casualty insurance products nationwide, today announced that it is launching a second region in the Western United States to build on the company's increasing momentum with leading independent agents.

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The Hanover launched its presence in the West in late 2009, led by Regional President John Casper. Since then, Casper and his team have established deep relationships with leading agents and brokers in local markets throughout the West, while building a balanced book of commercial business that is approaching $400 million.

To help The Hanover further capitalize on the great market receptivity and be even more responsive to the needs of its agents, the company's western states will be allocated among two regions. Casper will continue to lead the West Region states of Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas.

The newly created Pacific Region will be lead by David Kuhn, who has joined The Hanover as regional president. This new territory includes branch offices in Northern California, Southern California, Oregon and Washington.

"We are thrilled with the outstanding progress we have made in the West over the last two years," said Dick Lavey, senior vice president, field operations and marketing at The Hanover. "Today, we have a critical mass that presents a special, timely opportunity for us to take our business there to the next level."

National Capabilities; Local Responsiveness
Through the support of even more local decision makers in the West, The Hanover hopes to further help its agent partners to identify an increasing number of growth opportunities in these markets.

With this in mind, Casper and Kuhn will continue to lead efforts to build deeper, productive agent partnerships, and to help the company's agent partners take full advantage of The Hanover's unique commercial lines portfolio. Kuhn also will continue to build-out the company's strong, talented field team in the newly-defined region.

The Hanover's full suite of products available in the Pacific and West regions features specialized industry-specific offerings, and includes commercial package and business owners' policies, as well as coverage for commercial auto, umbrella, inland marine, bond, workers' compensation, management liability, employment-related practices liability, professional liability, and other specialty solutions.

Kuhn comes to The Hanover from QBE Insurance where he served as business practice leader. Prior to that, he held senior management positions at Bank of America Insurance Group, Countrywide Insurance Group; and served as regional president St. Paul Companies' Pacific and California Regions.

About The Hanover
The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) offers a wide range of property and casualty products and services to businesses, individuals, and families through a select group of agents and brokers. The Hanover is ranked among the top 25 property and casualty companies in the United States. Founded in 1852, The Hanover is proud to be celebrating 160 years of delivering on its promises to its agent partners and their customers.

Based in Worcester, Mass., The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. is the holding company for a group of insurers that includes The Hanover Insurance Company, also based in Worcester, Citizens Insurance Company of America, headquartered in Howell, Michigan, Chaucer Holdings PLC, based in London, and their affiliates. Through Chaucer, the company underwrites business at Lloyd's of London in several major insurance and reinsurance classes, including property, marine and aviation, energy, U.K. motor and casualty. For more information, please visit www.hanover.com.

SOURCE The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc.