CEO of The Hartford, one of state's biggest companies, to step down

Property-and-casualty insurer The Hartford announced Wednesday that its CEO, Christopher Swift, planned to step down from the position next year, and that the company's president, A. Morris "Mo" Tooker, would succeed him.

After nearly 13 years as the chief executive, including more than 12 as its chairman, Swift, 65, will become its executive chairman on March 1. Tooker, 57, is scheduled to start as CEO on the same date, a changeover that will make him the 17th person to hold the top position at one of Connecticut's largest companies.

"It has been an honor to serve as CEO of this iconic company," Swift said in a written statement. "I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, elevating The Hartford to new levels of success and sustaining strong performance. Mo is an outstanding leader, remarkable person and a trusted industry authority. The strength of our succession planning and depth of talent across the organization gives me the utmost confidence in The Hartford's bright future."

Tooker joined The Hartford as chief underwriting officer in 2015, after previously serving as president of Gen Re. His responsibilities have steadily increased in the past decade. He was promoted to president in 2025, and his role further expanded this year to include employee benefits and claims.

"I am excited and inspired to lead The Hartford during this time of extraordinary opportunity," Tooker said in a written statement. "As a result of Chris' tremendous vision and leadership, we are exceptionally well-positioned for the future with financial strength, a disciplined strategy and an unwavering commitment to excellence. With our competitive advantages, talented teams and focus on innovation, we are poised to excel and create lasting value for all our stakeholders."

The Hartford also announced Wednesday that Tooker would join the company's board of directors this week.

Tooker is married to Jen Tooker, who served as Westport's first selectwoman from 2021 to 2025. Last year, she sought the Republican nomination for governor, but dropped out of that race after a few months. She is now running for state comptroller.

Swift joined The Hartford as chief financial officer in 2010, after holding the same role at AIG. He was promoted to CEO in 2014. During the past 12 years, he has presided over a number of significant deals, including the sale in 2018 of Talcott Resolution, the company's run-off, life-and-annuity business and the approximately $2 billion acquisition of the Stamford-based Navigators Group in 2019.

He led The Hartford through one of its most fraught periods, in the spring of 2021, when another insurer, Chubb, tried to acquire the company. Chubb ended its pursuit after submitting three failed offers.

Amid those changes, The Hartford has perennially ranked in the Fortune 500 list of the largest U.S. corporations. It placed No. 160 this year, based on 2025 revenues of about $28 billion.

"On behalf of the board, I would like to express our deep gratitude for Chris' leadership," Trevor Fetter, lead independent director of The Hartford's board of directors, said in a written statement. "He has made a profound impact on The Hartford, the insurance industry and communities across the country. His enduring legacy includes market-leading financial results, a high-performance culture and a leadership style grounded in empathy and putting people first."

The Hartford has been active in its home city during Swift's tenure. In 2017, the company and two other Hartford-based insurance giants, Aetna and Travelers, made a combined $50 million pledge across five years to support the city. Last year, The Hartford, along with partners including HartfordHealthCare and the Hartford mayor's office, announced the formation of a Vision Committee to focus on the city's revitalization. Swift will continue leading the committee after he steps down as CEO.

The Hartford is one of the reasons why its namesake city has long described itself as the "insurance capital of the world." Its headquarters tower in the Asylum Hill neighborhood can be seen from miles away. The company is also known in Hartford and beyond for its stag logo, one of the most distinctive symbols in corporate America.

There are about 19,200 employees at The Hartford. About 4,900 of them are based in Connecticut, making it one of the largest private-sector employers in the state.

Compensation for Swift and Tooker reflects the lucrative agreements that prevail at the top levels of Fortune 500 companies. Swift earned about $22.1 million in 2025, while Tooker made about $7.6 million. Stock awards and stock options cumulatively comprised the largest portions of their remuneration.

As executive chairman, Swift will lead the board of directors, oversee corporate strategy and advise Tooker. He plans to step down as executive chairman in the second half of 2027.

"This thoughtful succession plan ensures a seamless transition, preserving strategic continuity, business momentum and operational strength," Fetter said. "Respected throughout the insurance industry, Mo combines strategic vision with disciplined execution. He has consistently delivered profitable growth, advanced customer-centered innovation, upheld underwriting rigor and built strong, aligned teams. He is ideally suited to lead as CEO and guide The Hartford's next chapter."

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