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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) January 1, 1999
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Ohio 1-9518 34-0963169
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(State or other (Commission File (IRS Employer
jurisdiction of Number) Identification
incorporation) No.)
6300 Wilson Mills Road, Mayfield Village, Ohio 44143
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code 440-461-5000
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Not Applicable
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
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Item 5. Other Events.
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Effective January 1, 1999, the office of CEO has been divided to
recognize the importance of and differences between the Investments and Capital
Management functions and Insurance Operations. Peter B. Lewis continues to be
CEO - Insurance Operations and Chairman of the Board. Charles B. Chokel becomes
CEO - Investments and Capital Management.
Mr. Lewis joined Progressive in 1955 and has been the Company's
Chief Executive Officer since 1965. Mr. Chokel joined the Company in 1978 and
has served in various financial and executive management positions since 1978.
He has served as Chief Financial Officer for the last seven years.
Mr. Chokel will be succeeded in his role as Treasurer and Chief
Financial Officer by W. Thomas Forrester II. Mr. Forrester joined the Company in
1984 and has also held various financial and executive management positions.
These changes coincide with the reorganization of the Company's
Personal Lines Business into distinct business organizations, aligned with the
Company's distribution channels (Agent, Direct and Strategic Alliances). Each
such organization will be responsible for brand direction, unique product design
and customer policy service for its assigned distribution channel.
The Agent Business will focus on all aspects of Independent
Agent-generated business. The business will work to help agents increase their
share of the auto insurance market through enhanced technology, additional
product offerings and more competitive programs. Daniel R. Lewis (19 years with
Progressive) will lead the Agent Business.
The Direct Business will concentrate on all aspects of business
sold directly to consumers, either over the telephone or the Internet. This
business will tailor the programs offered, and modify how the Company provides
service, to respond to the needs of this consumer group. The Direct Business
will be led by Robert J. McMillan (20 years with Progressive).
The Strategic Alliances Business will market combinations of Agent
and Direct insurance products to employees, customers or members of large
organizations, such as banks, insurers, employers and labor unions. National
Accounts General Manager David L. Roush (16 years at Progressive) will become
Strategic Alliances Business Leader.
Messrs. Peter Lewis, Chokel, Forrester, Daniel Lewis and McMillan
will continue to serve on Progressive's Policy Team, along with Mr. Roush, Glenn
M. Renwick, Robert T. Williams, Moira G. Lardakis, Brian J. Passell, Tiona
Thompson and Alan R. Bauer, all of whom have business unit responsibilities.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by
the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
Dated: January 5, 1999
THE PROGRESSIVE CORPORATION
By: /s/ David M. Schneider
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Name: David M. Schneider
Title: Secretary
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