Argonaut Group hires COO

SAN ANTONIO--Gregory M. Vezzosi has joined specialty insurer Argonaut Group Inc. as executive vp and chief operating officer.

Mr. Vezzosi--who most recently served as senior vp, specialty commercial, for St. Paul Travelers Cos. Inc.--is San Antonio-based Argonaut's first-ever COO, an Argonaut spokeswoman said.

In his new role, Mr. Vezzosi will oversee product innovation and focus on improving service for clients, among other things, according to a company statement.