Hanover Insurance names COO as CEO-elect ahead of Roche's retirement

The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (NYSE: THG) announced on July 15, 2026, that President and Chief Executive Officer John "Jack" C. Roche plans to retire on December 31, 2026, after a 40-year career in the insurance industry.

The company's board of directors has appointed Chief Operating Officer Richard "Dick" W. Lavey as CEO-elect. Lavey will work alongside Roche during the transition period.

Roche, 62, joined The Hanover in 2006 and was appointed president and CEO in 2017. "I will retire at the end of the year with tremendous pride in all our organization has accomplished," Roche said. "The company is in a strong financial position and has the exceptional talent needed to drive our business forward."

Lavey, 59, has been with The Hanover since 2004, holding a series of executive roles over his 22-year tenure. In his current role as COO, he oversees the company's operating model transformation. As president of Hanover Agency Markets, he leads core commercial and personal lines, which together represent 75% of The Hanover's $7 billion consolidated gross premiums written.

Before joining The Hanover, Lavey held leadership positions at The Hartford and The Travelers Insurance Company. He recently served as chairman of the board for the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI). Lavey holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Board chair Cynthia L. Egan said Lavey's experience spans the insurance and technology industries and that his contributions have been central to the company's strategic expansion.

The Hanover said it plans to address questions about the transition at its earnings call scheduled for July 29, 2026, and will provide a strategy update at its investor day on September 17, 2026.

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