Progressive Direct Names Sauerland as President

The Progressive Corporation has appointed an internal candidate, John P. Sauerland, to be the new president of the Progressive Direct Group of Insurance Companies.

He replaces Alan R. Bauer, who had been president of the direct operations since 2002. Bauer left the company last month.

Sauerland, 41, who currently serves as the claims general manager for the Midwest region, first joined Progressive full time in 1991 as an assistant product manager. He served at different times as the auto product manager for various states as well as the general manager for Mississippi, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

The products of the Progressive Direct Group of Insurance Companies are marketed directly to consumers by phone and online.

The Sauerland appointment is one on a series of top level management changes made by the company recently.

Last month, John A. Barbagallo was named the new president of the company’s Drive Group of Insurance Companies, which markets through independent agents. Barbagallo, 46, who joined the company more than 20 years ago as a claims representative, had been the Drive Atlantic Region general manager.

Barbagallo replaced Robert T. Williams, who resigned effective May 17.

Also, Brian A. Silva was promoted to commercial group president.

The company has said it will name a new chief financial officer by the end of the third quarter to succeed Tom Forrester who will retire in early 2007.

The products and services of the Progressive Direct Group of Insurance Companies are marketed directly to consumers by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE and online at www.progressivedirect.com through the Progressive Direct brand.

Source: Progressive