Des Moines-based EMC Insurance Companies' CEO announces retirement

EMC Insurance Companies' chief executive officer will retire after a 35-year career with the Des Moines-based company founded by his great-grandfather.

Bruce Kelley's retirement is slated for March 11, 2020. Scott Jean, executive vice president of finance and strategy for EMC, will take over as president, treasurer and CEO.

Kelley started his career at EMC in 1985 as the first in-house general counsel. He was promoted to executive vice president, where he oversaw marketing and expense projection plans. He was named chief executive officer in 1992 when his father, Robb Kelley, retired.

The company was founded by Kelley's great-grandfather, John Alexander Gunn, in 1911. It has since expanded from selling workman's compensation insurance to employers in Iowa to selling products in 40 states. 

During Bruce Kelley's tenure, premiums rose to $1.8 billion, up from $505 million, according to a news release from the company. Assets rose to $4 billion, up from $1 billion. 

Anticipating his retirement, EMC's board of directors has been working for years on a succession plan, the news release says. 

Jean started at EMC in 1991 as an actuary. He was promoted to vice president and chief actuary in 2009, and to executive vice president in 2015. 

He has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Iowa State University.

"The Board of Directors conducted a thorough succession planning process to select Kelley's replacement and is fortunate to find an excellent candidate in Jean to assume leadership of the organization," a  news release states. "Jean is an outstanding leader with wide experience across the insurance industry, both in finance and strategy."

Kim Norvell covers growth and development for the Register. Reach her at knorvell@dmreg.com or 515-284-8259.

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