PropertyCasualty360.com spoke with Sean Kevelighan as he makes his transition from 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, to becoming the new president and CEO of the New York City-based Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.)

What factored into your decision to leave a private insurance company for I.I.I.?

Sean Kevelighan: It was a difficult decision to make, but I’m excited to have the opportunity. I’ve been fortunate to be able to understand, appreciate and work with I.I.I. closely for several years, starting in 2008 when I first joined Zurich. I gained a better understanding of the value that they brought to the industry and the broader community as well. When I received the phone call offering me the job, I already had a strong appreciation for the organization, as well as the work Bob Hartwig and his team have done.