Hartford hires ex-Buffett deputy Tooker as underwriting head

(Bloomberg) — Hartford Financial Services Group Inc., the insurer that has been selling life units to focus on property-casualty coverage, hired Morris Tooker as chief underwriting officer for P&C operations.

Tooker, who worked previously as president of General Re at Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc., will report to President Doug Elliot, according to a statement Monday from Hartford, which is based in the Connecticut city of the same name.

Hartford’s Chris Swift has been bolstering staff since taking over as chief executive officer last year. The insurer hired Mary Boyd and Casey Campbell last week to help oversee insurance that is sold to individuals, both through agents and direct channels. Tooker will focus on those segments and coverage to commercial clients.