FM Global establishes division for Canadian, specialty sectors

FM Global has combined its Canadian, forest products and chemical industries businesses into a single division, the Johnston, Rhode Island insurer said Tuesday.

The Canada and specialty industries division will be headed by James P. O’Brien, formerly senior vice president and Central USA division manager.

Ken Lavigne, head of the insurer’s Canada division, is retiring at year-end. Johnell R. Holly, currently operations senior vice president and manager of FM Global’s New York operations, will succeed Mr. O’Brien as Central USA division manager.

Previously, the chemical industries and forest products operations were separate sectors within FM Global, a spokesman for the insurer said in an email.

Both are high-hazard industries that require specialized risk management expertise, he said.