Connecticut Governor Taps Former Cigna Exec as Insurance Commissioner

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is nominating a former Cigna Corp. executive as Connecticut’s newest insurance commissioner.

The Democrat announced Friday that Katharine Wade of Simsbury will replace Thomas Leonardi, who resigned in December to work with a New York investment banking advisory company.

Wade has more than 20 years of insurance industry experience. She started working for Cigna in 1992, most recently as vice president of public policy, government affairs and U.S. compliance. She helped to coordinate all federal and state legislative and regulatory affairs.

Malloy said he chose Wade because he wants a partner to help fight what he calls an “attack on state-based regulation” of insurance.

Wade is the daughter-in-law of attorney James Wade, a top Democratic fundraiser. Malloy denied that relationship played a role in his selection.