Michael Fish to Succeed Jonathan Bennett as Head of Group Benefits at The Hartford

The Hartford announced the appointment of Michael Fish as head of Group Benefits, succeeding Jonathan Bennett who will retire at the end of 2024. Fish, currently the chief operating officer for Group Benefits, will report directly to The Hartford’s Chairman and CEO Christopher Swift.

Fish joined The Hartford in 2004 and has served in various leadership roles, including head of Group Benefits Product and Strategy. He was also responsible for the integration following The Hartford’s 2017 acquisition of Aetna’s U.S. Group Life and Disability business.

In addition, H. Clay Bassett Jr. has been named global chief underwriting officer and head of reinsurance, succeeding M. Ross Fisher. Bassett, currently deputy global chief underwriting officer and head of Navigators Reinsurance, will report to The Hartford’s Chief Financial Officer Beth Costello.

Bassett joined The Hartford in 2019 with the company’s acquisition of The Navigators Group, Inc. where he was chief underwriting officer. He has held various underwriting management positions with Swiss Re, AIG, and National Reinsurance Corporation.

Swift recognized the contributions of Bennett and Fisher, noting their instrumental roles in the company’s growth and development. Both appointments will be effective from Oct. 1, 2024. &