Kevelighan was previously global head of public affairs for Zurich Insurance Group, where he was responsible for setting the insurance giant's global public policy and corporate responsibility agendas.

He moved to Zurich following a stint as group head of global consumer banking public affairs for Citigroup, where he oversaw strategic communications for a business that serves more than 100 million customers worldwide and represents more than 40 percent of the company’s earnings. He has also worked as head of North American Group media relations for Zurich, as well as in President George W. Bush’s administration for the Treasury Department and as press secretary for the White House Office of Management and Budget.

Robert Hartwig, the current president, will be stepping down in August to become a faculty member in the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business. He will also be co-director of the Moore School’s Risk and Uncertainty Management Center.

“Although my decision to leave the institute after 18 years was an extremely difficult one, it is made much easier knowing that I will be leaving the organization in such capable hands,” said Hartwig. “I love this organization and this industry, and I’m confident that Sean will be a strong, strategic leader for the I.I.I. and a persuasive spokesperson for an industry that I remain fully committed to.”

Hartwig will retain a formal relationship with the New York City-based organization, periodically writing research reports, delivering presentations and offering testimony to public policymakers on its behalf, the institute said.

“It's an honor to have been given this opportunity,” said Kevelighan. “Insurance is the lifeblood of any economy, as it enables individuals to be better prepared for the unexpected and, in turn, to live more freely. Over the years I have truly grown passionate about insurance and, quite frankly, feel it deserves more credit for the value it brings to society.”