Robert M. McAlaine, Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated, "Bruce was the founder of the Eastern Alliance Insurance Group, and hired Michael as his first employee. Together, they have grown the Eastern Alliance Insurance Group into one of the most profitable writers of workers' compensation insurance in each of its core operating territories. Over their thirteen years of working together, Bruce and Michael have built a leadership team capable of leading EIHI successfully into the future. They created and nurtured a culture of superior agency relationships, client service, and core values of dedication, collaboration and mutual respect among EIHI's team of employees."
McAlaine continued, "Today's announcement ensures continued strong leadership for EIHI. Michael is a proven leader in the industry, ideally suited to succeed Bruce as Chief Executive Officer and to guide EIHI for years to come. Michael has played a key leadership role at EIHI over the years and has been instrumental in driving the Company's strategic plans, profitable geographic expansion and success during changing economic and insurance cycles."
Mr. Eckert commented, "This succession plan has been years in development. When we started the company I envisioned and planned for this day. I could not be happier with today's announcement. Michael has been instrumental in the success of all aspects of EIHI. I am pleased that I was able to lead the Eastern family of companies and that I have helped them achieve this important transition."
Eckert continued, "I am looking forward to continuing my work with EIHI as Director and Vice Chairman of the Board. I am excited to transition into my new role and am extremely confident in EIHI's future with Michael and our team of strong leaders at the helm."
Mr. Boguski stated, "I am honored that Bruce and the Board of Directors are entrusting me with the responsibility to lead EIHI as its President and Chief Executive Officer. As I look to the future, I am committed to profitable expansion of our core workers' compensation business as a key driver of future earnings while maintaining a strong balance sheet and dynamic culture at EIHI. I believe the successful expansion of our workers' compensation insurance segment in conjunction with the continuation of our stock buyback program will enable EIHI to effectively utilize its excess capital, incrementally increase its return on equity and bring significant value to our shareholders over the next several years."
EIHI operates through its subsidiaries a domestic casualty insurance group specializing in workers' compensation, a third-party claims administration company and a specialty reinsurance company. EIHI has service offices in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Indiana and Tennessee.