The Hanover CEO to Retire, COO Named CEO-Elect

• By: Will Jones
• July 16, 2026

Yesterday, The Hanover Insurance Group Inc. announced that John “Jack” C. Roche, president and CEO, will retire on Dec. 31. Richard “Dick” W. Lavey, chief operating officer and president of Hanover Agency Markets, will be his successor.

Roche retires after a distinguished 40-year career in the insurance industry and will work closely with Lavey to ensure a successful transition.

“The Board of Directors is deeply grateful to Jack for his outstanding leadership and the significant impact he’s made to The Hanover,” said Cynthia L. Egan, chair of the board at The Hanover. “He has driven progress in every dimension of the company, not the least of which is working closely with the board and with Dick to ensure that we have an exceptional CEO to elevate the company to its next level.”

Roche joined The Hanover in 2006 and was appointed president and CEO in 2017. Under his leadership, the company achieved record operating earnings and strengthened its position as a premier property & casualty company in the independent agency channel.

In addition to his responsibilities at The Hanover, Roche serves the insurance industry as vice chair of the board of trustees for The Institutes, a member of the board of directors for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), and as a member of the board of overseers of St. John’s University Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science.

“I will retire at the end of the year with tremendous pride in all our organization has accomplished,” Roche said. “The company is in a strong financial position and has the exceptional talent needed to drive our business forward.”

“Having worked closely with Dick for more than two decades, I have complete confidence in his leadership and his ability to guide our company forward,” he added. “Together, we will ensure a seamless and successful transition.”

Lavey joined The Hanover in 2004 and held a series of executive leadership positions over his 22-year tenure. Currently, Lavey serves as chief operating officer, where he directs the strategic transformation of the company’s operating model, augmenting the partnership between its business and technology functions. In his role as president of Hanover Agency Markets, Lavey leads the growth and performance of core commercial and personal lines, which combined represent 75% of The Hanover’s $7 billion consolidated gross premiums written.

Earlier in his tenure, Lavey served as chief marketing officer, chief growth innovation officer, president of personal lines and president of the organization’s northeast region, among other key positions.

“I am honored to lead our organization at such a transformative time in our business. I am energized to continue our momentum to accelerate growth, drive performance and deliver lasting value for our stakeholders,” Lavey said.

Will Jones is IA editor-in-chief.