Direct General Names John Mullen as CEO

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Direct General announced today that it has named John W. Mullen, former Unitrin Specialty President, as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective today. 

Mr. Mullen brings to the position 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, including service as President of Unitrin Specialty, President of Financial Indemnity Company, Western Region President and SVP Claims for Windsor Insurance Group, and held various leadership roles with Great American Insurance, Unigard Insurance Company, and Liberty Mutual Insurance Company.

Mr. Mullen said, "I am excited about joining Direct General.  I look forward to partnering with the ownership group, management team and employees in developing insurance products and services that consistently exceed our customers' expectations and drive profitable growth."

Mr. Mullen takes over following the departure of CEO Carey D. Benson in February. "John Mullen brings extensive experience and a great track record in leading personal and casualty insurance organizations," said Robert Sandler, Chairman.  "I know that he will drive execution of our near-term business plan and build a platform for future growth."

ABOUT DIRECT GENERAL

Direct General Corporation, headquartered in Nashville, TN, is a privately owned financial services holding company whose operating subsidiaries provide personal automobile insurance, term life insurance, premium finance and other consumer products and services through our network of approximately 380 retail storefronts, our website, and our call center. We are proud to serve in the following twelve states: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.

SOURCE Direct General Corporation