Selective announces CEO succession plan

Selective Insurance Group Inc. announced Wednesday it is undergoing a CEO transition change.

The Branchville-based property and casualty group companies said that John J. Marchioni, who has served as president and chief operating officer since 2013, has been named CEO, effective Feb. 1, 2020. He will be responsible for overseeing all of Selective’s operations, information technology, human resources, actuarial, finance, legal and strategy.

Marchioni will succeed Gregory E. Murphy, who is retiring as CEO after serving in the role since 1999. Murphy, who is also chairman of the board, will take on the role of executive chairman of the board once he retires.

“On behalf of the board of directors, it is our privilege to announce the unanimous election of John Marchioni as the next chief executive officer of Selective,” Murphy said. “In his more than 21 years at Selective, John has worked across all areas of our operations and has proven to be a thoughtful and strategic executive with a deep understanding of our industry and how to profitably grow our business. I, along with the board, have worked closely with John and have been impressed by his performance as President and Chief Operating Officer for the last six years. His unanimous election as CEO demonstrates the confidence we have in his abilities, judgment and vision to continue to innovate and lead us into the future.”

Since joining Selective, Marchioni has held roles of increasing responsibility, including as government affairs specialist in 1998; assistant vice president of government affairs in 2000; vice president of government affairs in 2003; vice president of strategic business unit leader in 2004; senior vice president, director of personal lines and flood in 2005; executive vice president, chief field operations leader in 2007; executive vice president, insurance operations in 2008; and president and chief operating officer in 2013.

“I want to thank the board of directors for placing their trust in me to lead this organization, and I also want to thank Greg for all that he has done for Selective and in preparing me, especially these past few years, for this new role. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Greg in the coming months and in his capacity as executive chairman as we work to build on Selective’s strong financial and strategic position for the long-term,” Marchioni said.