The second-largest US home and auto insurer fell the most since October after the departure of Joseph Lacher, president of the Illinois company’s main businesses. Lacher, who oversaw residential and car coverage, is leaving immediately. “This comes as a complete shock, and it’s a very significant disappointment,’’ said Meyer Shields, an analyst at Stifel Nicolaus & Co. Allstate said last month that returns were inadequate. “Investors will interpret this as a problem at Allstate,’’ said analyst Paul Newsome, with Sandler O’Neill & Partners. “Joe was one of the more visible, well liked people at Allstate by investors.’’
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