State Auto Names New Corporate Development, Risk Management Executives

The State Auto Insurance Companies today named Cathy B. Miley vice president, director of corporate development, and Steven R. Hazelbaker vice president, director of corporate enterprise risk management. Miley, who joined State Auto in 1977 and most recently served as vice president, director of branch and regional operations, will work directly with Chairman and CEO Bob Restrepo in identifying new business development opportunities, particularly in the area of mergers, acquisitions and affiliations. "Growing through partnerships with other companies remains a key element of our strategic plan,” said Restrepo. "Cathy’s deep knowledge of our organization’s culture, and her extensive contacts throughout the industry, make her the ideal person to seek out those and other new business opportunities.” Hazelbaker served the Meridian Insurance Group as executive vice president, CFO and COO prior to the 2001 acquisition of Meridian by State Auto. Since then, he has served State Auto as vice president, director of branch and regional operations. From 1978 to 1994, Steve held staff and management positions with Coopers & Lybrand. In his new role, Hazelbaker assumes responsibility for the development, implementation and ongoing improvement of the company’s corporate risk management program. "Further integrating our risk management policies and processes will ensure that our A+ financial strength rating is not only preserved, but enhanced,” said Restrepo. "Steve’s unique blend of financial expertise and his collaborative management style make him the perfect person to lead this initiative.” The State Auto Insurance Companies, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, are engaged primarily in writing personal and business insurance products exclusively through approximately 3,200 independent insurance agencies in 29 states and are proud to be a Trusted Choice® company partner. The State Auto Insurance Companies include State Auto Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:STFC), and State Automobile Mutual Insurance Company, which is one of only 14 companies rated A+ (Superior) by the A.M. Best Company every year since 1954. Additional information can be found online at StateAuto.com.