Bill Smith, former Kemper and National Union leader, dies

William D. “Bill” Smith, who ran National Union Fire Insurance Co. and headed Kemper Insurance Cos. before retiring in 2002, died Feb. 24 in Vero Beach, Florida, age 74.

Mr. Smith was born in Los Angeles and was a wine enthusiast, his family said Friday.

He began his career as a property/casualty underwriter at Allstate and eventually became chairman, president and CEO of National Union and served as executive vice president of American International Group Inc. until 1996.

Mr. Smith retired from his post leading Kemper at the end of 2002 after heading the organization since 1996. 

After his retirement from the insurance business he helped establish VistaFlores Estate, an Argentine vintner, according to his family.

He is survived by his brother, John Smith of Aurora, Colorado, daughter Jennifer G. Smith of Washington, D.C., son Michael William Smith of Richmond, Virginia, and eight grandchildren, as well as former wife Marilyn G. Smith of Vero Beach, and former wife Janet Soderberg Smith of St. Michaels, Maryland.