Jack Roche Receives Lifetime Achievement Award in Insurance Industry

John C. “Jack” Roche, president and CEO of The Hanover Insurance Group, recently received the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award from The Institutes Griffith Foundation and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA), honoring his longstanding contributions to the insurance industry.

Presented at the APCIA Annual Meeting in Boston, the award underscores Roche's commitment to advancing insurance education and his support of foundational missions within the industry. Over a career that spans more than 40 years, Roche has played a pivotal role in the property/casualty sector, notably enhancing The Hanover's footprint in the independent agency channel and bolstering the company’s operational performance. His stewardship has also seen continued investments to benefit both agents and customers alike.

Industry Impact and Leadership

Jack Roche’s influence extends beyond The Hanover, with significant contributions through board positions at The Institutes, APCIA, and the St. John’s University Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management. These roles reflect his dedication to nurturing the next generation of industry leaders. Katherine Horowitz, president of The Institutes, praised Roche's career as one that truly exemplifies leadership, an attribute deeply appreciated within the industry.

APCIA president and CEO David A. Sampson highlighted Roche’s unwavering dedication to leadership beyond his organizational duties, which includes preparing future leaders in the field. This recognition comes as Roche plans his retirement at the end of 2026, setting the stage for Richard W. Lavey, currently the chief operating officer and president of Hanover Agency Markets, to be the next CEO.

Key Facts about Jack Roche’s Contributions:

• Joined The Hanover Insurance Group in 2006; became CEO in 2017.
• Achieved record operating earnings and expanded the company’s presence in the independent agency channel.
• Holds board memberships in key industry organizations such as The Institutes, APCIA, and St. John’s University.
• Retiring at the end of 2026, with Richard W. Lavey set to succeed him as CEO.

The Griffith Foundation continues to emphasize risk management and insurance education, while APCIA remains a formidable network of home, auto, and business insurance providers nationwide. These organizations, by recognizing leaders like Roche, highlight the industry's ongoing dedication to education and transformational leadership.