Liam E. McGee, the former CEO and chairman of The Hartford, who was credited with helping turnaround the company following its struggles after the Great Recession, has died from cancer, officials said Monday.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our colleague and dear friend, Liam McGee, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Liam’s family during this difficult time,” said Thomas A. Renyi, presiding director of The Hartford. “Liam was a man of commitment, integrity and compassion, and we were fortunate to have him join The Hartford during a challenging time in the company’s history. Liam made the tough decisions necessary to guide the company through this period, with an unwavering focus on what was best for our company, our customers, our employees, our shareholders and our community.”
McGee most recently served as executive chairman of The Hartford, a position he stepped down from Jan. 5. He previously held the additional roles of chairman, president and CEO of The Hartford from Oct. 1, 2009, through July 1, 2014.
During McGee’s tenure, the Hartford shed much of its legacy annuities business to return to a focus on its core property-casualty and mutual-fund operations.
McGee unexpectedly resigned as CEO more than a year after it was revealed he underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor.
Before joining The Hartford, McGee spent more than three decades as a financial services business leader, most recently serving as president of the Consumer and Small Business Bank for Bank of America.
Chris Swift, The Hartford’s current chairman and CEO, said, “Thanks to Liam’s leadership and tireless efforts, the company has completed a strategic and financial transformation and is well positioned for future success and prosperity. His vision of The Hartford as an exceptional company, celebrated for financial performance, character and customer value will continue to be a guiding principle for all of our colleagues. We are grateful for Liam’s many contributions to our company and our community along with his guidance, wisdom and friendship.”
