Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), a leading property/casualty and professional liability insurance company for niche markets, has named Robert (Bob) D. O'Leary as its new president and CEO, effective immediately. O'Leary previously serves as PHLY's executive vice president and chief marketing officer. Sean Sweeney, in office for just a month, is stepping down as CEO of PHLY for personal reasons.

“Bob has been a significant influence on the success and expansion of PHLY's operations during his 30 years with the company,” said Jamie Maguire, PHLY's chairman and, until Jan. 1, its CEO.  “I look forward to working with Bob to continue our tradition of excellence, superior service, and partnerships with the communities we serve.”

“I am excited to assume this new role and look forward to building new relationships and growth opportunities for PHLY and its partners,” said O'Leary.  “We have an exceptionally talented group of employees who are committed to making PHLY the leading provider of specialized insurance products and services.”

O'Leary's insurance career began in 1977 as a sales representative for American Mutual Insurance. Five years later he joined Maguire Insurance Agency (the original marketing name of Philadelphia Insurance Companies) as a regional manager for New England.  He was named regional vice president of PHLY in 1986 and managed the Great Lakes area in addition to New England and New York. In 2006, he was named senior vice president for the Eastern Territory, and two years later he was promoted to EVP of Marketing.  O'Leary assumed the role of chief marketing officer a year ago.