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The Hartford Promotes Johnson To Chief Investment Officer And Gervasi To Lead Human Resources


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HARTFORD, CT--May 18, 2012: The Hartford has promoted Brion Johnson to the position of chief investment officer and president of Hartford Investment Management Company, and Martha Gervasi to the position of executive vice president of Human Resources. Both executives report to the company's Chairman, President and CEO Liam E. McGee, and the promotions are effective today.

“On behalf of the company and its Board of Directors, I want to thank Eileen and Hugh for their dedication to the organization and important contributions to The Hartford”

Johnson succeeds Hugh Whelan, who was named the acting head of Hartford Investment Management Company following the departure of the previous leader. Whelan will retire from the firm following a transition period, as was his ultimate intent when he assumed the interim leadership role. Gervasi succeeds Eileen Whelley, who has decided to pursue a new opportunity with a global insurer.

"On behalf of the company and its Board of Directors, I want to thank Eileen and Hugh for their dedication to the organization and important contributions to The Hartford," said McGee. "Hugh played a critical role in successfully repositioning the investment portfolio and leading the organization during this interim period, and Eileen was instrumental in managing the company's talent and serving as a member of the leadership team during a very challenging period for The Hartford. I am pleased that we have filled both positions with strong, internal candidates. Both Brion and Marty are seasoned leaders with proven expertise in their fields. I look forward to working closely with them both as we focus on executing The Hartford's strategic plan."

Johnson was Hartford Investment Management Company's chief financial officer and head of strategy and development. Prior to joining The Hartford, Johnson served as executive vice president and head of portfolio management for PPM America, Inc, the North American subsidiary of London-based Prudential, plc, where he built and led an investment team responsible for client relationships, portfolio management, quantitative and risk management, and trade execution. Johnson also held management positions at the Kemper Corporation and Jackson National Life Insurance Company. A chartered financial analyst, Johnson earned a B.A. in economics from the University of Michigan and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business.

Gervasi joined The Hartford as senior vice president of human resources for the company's Consumer Markets business as well as the Finance and Enterprise Risk Management functions. In January 2012, Gervasi assumed the role of human resources lead for the company's Commercial Markets division. Prior to joining The Hartford, Gervasi served as global human resources leader and chief human resources officer for a division of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation and in a variety of human resources leadership roles at General Electric Corporation. Gervasi earned her B.A. in American studies from St. Joseph College in West Hartford, Conn., and an M.B.A. from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

About The Hartford

The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. is a leading provider of insurance and wealth management services for millions of consumers and businesses worldwide. The Hartford is consistently recognized for its superior service, its sustainability efforts and as one of the world's most ethical companies.