Liberty Mutual announces leadership changes

The Liberty Mutual Group of Insurance Cos. announced leadership changes today for three of its four business units, changes that will become effective Jan. 1.

Liberty Mutual of Boston, the sixth largest property and casualty insurer in the United States, said that Thomas C. Ramey, 65, chairman and president of Liberty International, will retire in mid 2009. He will remain chairman until that time.

Succeeding Ramey as president is David H. Long, 47, currently president of the company's commercial insurance business unit, Liberty Mutual said, and J. Paul Condrin, 47, currently president for personal lines, will take over as president of commercial lines.

In addition, Timothy M. Sweeney, 43, executive vice president of distribution for personal lines, will become that unit's president.

"These moves result from a long-term succession plan," Edmund F. "Ted" Kelly, Liberty Mutual Group's chairman, president, and chief executive officer, said in a statement. "We are fortunate to have an exceptionally strong group of executives who have helped the company grow profitably over several years. Each one of them brings proven skills and valuable experience to his new role."
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)