F. Michael “Mike” Crowley, president of the insurance brokerage firm Hilb, Rogal & Hobbs Company, was named president and chief operating officer of the Richmond, Va.-based firm.

He fills the position left vacant after the resignation of Robert B. Lockhart in 2005 over discovery that he was involved in arranging improper payments in exchange for insurance contracts (see NU Online, May 27, 2005).

As president, Mr. Crowley has been responsible for HRH's retail operations. The firm said that in his expanded role he will have direct responsibility for sales and operational leadership, including the company's international and wholesale operations.

Mr. Crowley, 56, has been president of HRH since Sept. 2005. He joined the company in 2004 as executive vice president, national director of property and casualty. Prior to joining HRH, he was president and chief operating officer of Palmer & Cay Inc. from 1998 to 2002 and vice chairman from 2002 to 2004.

“Mike has an excellent reputation within the insurance industry, and has done an outstanding job leading HRH's retail operations,” said HRH Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Martin L. “Mell” Vaughan III in a statement. “These attributes, along with his notable achievements in the areas of sales productivity and client service excellence, make this promotion a logical progression for Mike and for HRH.”