American International Group (AIG) on Friday said its head of commercial insurance in North America is retiring at the end of the year to focus on his health.
The insurer said three AIG employees have been promoted to lead the segment starting Jan. 1, 2026. Allison Cooper and Barbara Luck will be co-presidents of AIG’s retail commercial business in North America. Lou Levinson is now president of wholesale for North America Commercial.
Each will report to John Neal, former Lloyd’s CEO who was hired by AIG in July to be the company’s president, effective December 1.
Related: Former Lloyd’s CEO Neal to Lead General Insurance as President at AIG
Bailey joined AIG from Bristlecone Partners at the start of 2023 as global head of distribution and field operations. During Bailey’s tenure, AIG “revitalized” broker-client relationships and started a new distribution strategy that improved retention and new business, the company said.
“Joining AIG at a pivotal moment in its turnaround and having the opportunity to work closely with (CEO) Peter Zaffino again is the capstone of my career. It has been an honor to lead the incredibly talented and committed team of colleagues across North America,” Bailey said in a statement.
Higginbotham hires employees based on whether they pass the “Thanksgiving Test.” Would employees want to share a Thanksgiving meal with this person?
“That’s how we’ve built not just a team but a Higginbotham family,” said Rusty Reid, president and CEO of Higginbotham.
The family atmosphere at Higginbotham can be felt in the enthusiasm team members have for the agency. Employees voted the firm as the Best Agency to Work For in the South Central region, noting the superb work culture, top-notch leadership, and commitment to recognizing talent and potential across all levels.
Higginbotham’s practice of helping employees grow has fueled the company’s long-term success. The agency is celebrating 35 straight years of 21% average growth–what Reid calls “an extraordinary run in our industry.”
“We’ve proven you can grow aggressively without losing your identity,” Reid said. “At Higginbotham, we don’t chase growth at all costs; we grow by staying true to our roots.
That balance of ambition with values is what sets us apart and what keeps people invested in building a career here.”