Allstate names Travelers' Lacher as home, auto chief

Allstate Corp. named Joseph Lacher, formerly of Travelers Cos., to head the second-largest home and auto insurance business in the U.S. as Chief Executive Officer Tom Wilson revamps management.

Lacher, who stepped down as head of personal insurance at Travelers this year, will begin at Allstate Nov. 30, the Northbrook-based insurer said in a statement today. He replaces George Ruebenson, who announced his retirement in October.

Lacher is the third executive hired by Wilson since the start of October. The company last month named American International Group Inc. Vice Chairman Matthew Winter to head the life insurance and retirement business and Mark LaNeve to lead the marketing unit.

"Our goal is to have the strongest possible leadership team with the optimal mix of talent, expertise and experience," Wilson said in the statement. "In Joe we are adding a recognized leader with an outstanding track record of success."

Lacher oversaw units at Travelers that accounted for about 45 percent of the New York-based insurer's premiums, Allstate said in the statement. He joined Travelers in 1991.