The Hartford Advances Commercial Markets Strategy With Appointment Of Group Benefits Clinical Practices Director

Physician’s appointment and recent product launch supports insurer’s approach of integrating group benefits and workers’ compensation businesses

SIMSBURY, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: HIG) has named Robert E. Bonner, MD, MPH, the clinical practices director for its Group Benefits Division, adding to his previous role as medical director and vice president of medical practices in its workers’ compensation business.

In his expanded role, Bonner provides expertise to the medical and vocational rehabilitation practices for the insurer’s group disability claims, including guidelines on disability duration, clinical protocols, and continuing education for the claims team. In his role as medical director for workers’ compensation, he continues to provide oversight and direction for workers’ compensation and liability claims practices regarding medical issues, including quality assurance and clinical case management.

“The Hartford has been building its capabilities to serve and protect businesses and their employees. Dr. Bonner’s appointment supports our customer-centric business strategy that’s focused on helping maximize employee productivity and removing administrative burden,” said Ron Gendreau, executive vice president of Group Benefits in The Hartford’s Commercial Markets. “Whether an employee is injured on or off the job, our goal is to provide resources and support to enable them to return to active, productive lives.”

Bonner’s appointment is part of a broader strategy for The Hartford. His role bridges two cornerstone businesses within The Hartford’s Commercial Markets, which was formed earlier this year to capitalize on the company's product, service and distribution strengths in property and casualty and group benefits.

His appointment also supports The Hartford’s newly launched approach to managing various types of employee absences. The Hartford Productivity Advantage integrates the insurer’s group disability and workers’ compensation insurance with its leave management services to help employers minimize lost time while maintaining productivity.

“Our research¹ shows workers’ compensation is integrated more often now with benefits, such as disability insurance, than in previous years,” said Gendreau. “The Hartford has established itself as the No. 1 seller of group disability insurance² and the fourth largest workers’ compensation provider,³ and our people, products and resources are now aligned to provide solutions to this growing trend of benefits integration.”

Bonner joined The Hartford’s workers’ compensation business in June 2002. He earned a doctor of medicine from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia and a master’s degree in public health from The Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health. He completed a fellowship in occupational medicine from The Johns Hopkins University Medical Institutions. He is also board certified in occupational medicine and holds a faculty appointment in occupational medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

About The Hartford

Celebrating 200 years of helping its customers achieve what’s ahead, The Hartford (NYSE: HIG) is an insurance and wealth management company. Through its unique focus on customer needs, the company serves businesses and consumers by providing the products and solutions they need to protect their assets and income from risks and manage their wealth and retirement needs. A Fortune 100 company, The Hartford is recognized widely for its service expertise and as one of the world's most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at www.thehartford.com.

HIG-M

Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.

1. Integrated Disability, Absence and Health Management Employer Survey 2009/2010 by Spring Consulting Group, LLC, in partnership with The Hartford
2. LIMRA, full-year, 2009
3. A.M. Best, 2009

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The Hartford
Kelly J. Carter, 860-843-9420
[email protected]
or
Pamela Rekow, 860-547-8990
[email protected]

Source: The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.