Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance Company (“PLM”), a mutual insurer serving the lumber, woodworking and building material industries, has hired John Kennealy as vice president of claims.

In his new position, Mr. Kennealy will be responsible for the overall management of the claims operation, including handling complicated litigation, analyzing insurance contracts, and developing new strategies for keeping loss adjustment expenses down.

“John's considerable background in the industry and leadership experience make him an excellent addition to our team,” said John Smith, the president and chief executive officer of PLM. “We are looking forward to the valuable insight and fresh perspective he has to share with PLM's highly-qualified claims team.”

Prior to joining PLM, Mr. Kennealy served as director of the major litigation unit for commercial claims at CNA Insurance Company. There, he worked with a team on high-severity losses, partnering with claims managers and other claims professionals in setting reserves, determining claims strategy, and settlement negotiations.

He also has served in management at ACE, which has since merged with Chubb.

Mr. Kennealy is a graduate of Rutgers University and has his ARM designation through the Insurance Institute of America. He serves as a faculty member of the Insurance Society of Philadelphia.

Learn more: www.plmins.com.

Victoria Spears

Victoria Spears

Victoria Prussen Spears is senior vice president of Meyerowitz Communications Inc., a law firm marketing communications consulting company. A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Brooklyn Law School, Ms. Spears was an attorney at a leading New York City law firm before joining Meyerowitz Communications. She may be contacted at [email protected].

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