Property and casualty insurer The Hartford said Wednesday that Christopher Swift will step down as CEO March 1, handing leadership of the Hartford-based insurer to company President A. Morris “Mo” Tooker.
Swift, who has led the company since June 2014, will become executive chairman on the same date. He plans to leave that role in the second half of 2027, according to the company.
Tooker, who joined The Hartford in 2015 and became president in 2025, will also join its board of directors Oct. 1. He will be the insurer’s 17th chief executive.
The transition will put Tooker in charge of a company that has narrowed its focus to property and casualty insurance and employee benefits through a series of acquisitions and divestitures under Swift.
“This thoughtful succession plan ensures a seamless transition, preserving strategic continuity, business momentum and operational strength,” Trevor Fetter, the board’s lead independent director, said in the announcement.
Tooker joined The Hartford as chief underwriting officer after serving as president of General Reinsurance. His responsibilities at The Hartford expanded over the next decade to include middle-market insurance, larger commercial accounts, global specialty coverage, and sales and distribution.
He took charge of commercial lines in 2024. His promotion to president the following year added oversight of personal lines, bringing the company’s property and casualty businesses under his leadership. His responsibilities expanded again this year to include employee benefits and claims.
According to the company, annual written premiums in its business insurance operations grew from $6.6 billion in 2015 to $14.5 billion in 2025.
Swift joined The Hartford as chief financial officer in March 2010, became CEO in June 2014 and added the chairman’s role in January 2015.
During his tenure, the company sold its Japanese annuity business and Talcott Resolution, its legacy life insurance and annuity operation. It also acquired Aetna’s U.S. group life and disability business in 2017 and specialty insurer Navigators Group in 2019.
As executive chairman, Swift will lead the board, advise Tooker and help oversee corporate strategy. He will also continue community work, including leading the city of Hartford’s Vision Committee, which brings together civic and community leaders.
“It has been an honor to serve as CEO of this iconic company,” Swift said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, elevating The Hartford to new levels of success and sustaining strong performance.”
