United Fire Group names new CEO and president

CEDAR RAPIDS — United Fire Group has named Kevin Leidwinger as its new CEO and president, effective Aug. 22.

He will take over from Randy Ramlo, who will retire after 15 years at the helm of the Cedar Rapids-based insurer.

Leidwinger previously was president and chief operating officer of CNA Commercial in Chicago.

He also spent many years with Chubb Commercial Insurance, where he worked in casualty, liability and underwriting management roles.

Leidwinger “is joining us with many years of experience leading large, diverse teams, embracing new technologies and setting strategic paths in our complex industry, all of which have given him an impressive track record and position him well for the future at UFG," Jim Noyce, chairman of UFG’s board of directors, said in a statement on the company’s website.

Ramlo announced his retirement in February. His last day at UFG will be Aug. 19.

He had joined UFG in 1984 as an underwriter, and since held a succession of roles including vice president for fidelity and surety and chief operating officer.

UFG was founded in 1946 and handles property and casualty insurance and is represented by approximately 1,000 independent agencies.