The Hartford Insurance Group has disclosed that A. Morris Tooker has been appointed CEO of the Company, effective March 1, 2027, succeeding Christopher J. Swift, who has announced Christopher J. Swift’s decision on September 30, 2026 to resign as Chief Executive Officer. Swift will assume the role of Executive Chair, continuing to serve as chair of the Company’s Board of Directors, while Tooker, currently the insurer’s president, takes over day-to-day leadership of the Hartford, Connecticut-based company.
Swift to Step Down as CEO, Shift Into Executive Chair Role
The Hartford Insurance Group, Inc. set out the handover in Christopher J. Swift’s decision on September 30, 2026 to resign as Chief Executive Officer, effective March 1, 2027. Under the arrangement, Swift will assume the role of Executive Chair, continuing to serve as chair of the Company’s Board of Directors and providing other services to the company. He intends to step down from his role as Executive Chair in the second half of 2027.
The same filing states that A. Morris Tooker has been appointed CEO of the Company, effective March 1, 2027. The two executives will overlap for a transition period, with Swift remaining on the board and in an advisory capacity after handing over operating control.
Tooker’s Path From Underwriting to the Corner Office
Mr. Tooker, 57, has served as the Company’s President since February 1, 2025, overseeing the Company’s Business Insurance, Personal Insurance, Employee Benefits, claims, risk services, and sales and distribution organizations. In a separate development, InsuraBeat has reported on a recent acquisition that expanded the company’s employee benefits division.
He previously served as Executive Vice President and Head of Commercial Lines from March 2024 to January 2025; Executive Vice President and Head of Middle & Large Commercial, Global Specialty and Sales and Distribution from November 2022 to February 2024; and Executive Vice President and Head of Middle & Large Commercial from March 2019 to October 2022, before stepping into the president’s role. He joined the Company in 2015 as chief underwriting officer and has served in successive leadership roles of increasing responsibility throughout the past 11 years, according to the company’s press release announcing the succession.
Tooker’s background sits almost entirely in commercial insurance and reinsurance underwriting. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Tooker served as president of General Reinsurance Corporation, where he was responsible for the company’s global P&C reinsurance business.
Board Seat, Committee Duties and Pay Package for the Incoming CEO
Alongside the CEO appointment, the Board also elected Mr. Tooker as a director of the Company, effective October 1, 2026, ahead of his move into the chief executive role. On the board, Mr. Tooker will serve as a member of the Board’s Finance, Investment and Risk Management Committee. He will not receive compensation for service on the Board or FIRMCo.
The Board approved a target total annual compensation opportunity, effective as of March 1, 2027, for Mr. Tooker of $12 million, based on market data for CEOs at peer companies. The package breaks down into a base salary of $1.1 million, an annual incentive plan award target of $2.75 million and a long-term incentive award target of $8.15 million. In a separate development, InsuraBeat has reported on a reinsurance commutation that strengthened the company’s balance sheet.
Swift’s Transition Agreement and Pay as Executive Chair
The Company entered into a Transition Agreement with Mr. Swift pursuant to which, effective March 1, 2027, he will cease serving as CEO and will remain employed by the Company, assuming the role of Executive Chair. As executive chair, Swift will lead the Board of Directors, help guide and oversee corporate strategy and serve as an advisor to the CEO.
The agreement also fixes Swift’s pay during that period. Effective March 1, 2027, Mr. Swift will receive an annual base salary of $1.2 million as well as his existing benefits and perquisites until his employment terminates under the terms of the Agreement. Starting March 1, 2027, Mr. Swift will be eligible for a 2027 AIP award based on a target opportunity of $2.4 million, with the prorated payout determined based on Company performance. Mr. Swift will also receive a 2027 LTI award with a target value of $7.4 million. Mr. Swift will not receive any additional compensation for his service as Executive Chair or as a member of the Board.
The move closes out a long run atop the company. Swift will transition to executive chair after nearly 13 years as CEO, including more than 12 years as chairman. During his tenure as CEO and CFO, he led the company’s transformation into a more focused and disciplined insurer, strengthening its financial profile, more than tripling net income ROE and driving a more than eightfold increase in share price.
Board and Executives React to the Succession Plan
“This thoughtful succession plan ensures a seamless transition, preserving strategic continuity, business momentum and operational strength,” said Trevor Fetter, lead independent director of The Hartford’s Board of Directors. Fetter went on to say that “Mo combines strategic vision with disciplined execution” and that the incoming chief executive “is ideally suited to lead as CEO and guide The Hartford’s next chapter.”
“I am excited and inspired to lead The Hartford during this time of extraordinary opportunity,” Tooker said.
Fetter also credited Swift’s tenure on behalf of the board: “On behalf of the board, I would like to express our deep gratitude for Chris’ leadership. He has made a profound impact on The Hartford, the insurance industry and communities across the country.” Swift, for his part, said, “It has been an honor to serve as CEO of this iconic company.”
In a separate development, InsuraBeat has reported on a reinsurance leadership change announced at another major insurer. In an unrelated item, InsuraBeat has also covered a chairman transition disclosed at another insurance group.
