American Equity Underwriters Inc. Names Adele S. Hapworth CEO

Thursday, May 20, 2021 | 0

The American Equity Underwriters Inc. announced that Adele S. Hapworth will succeed Michael L. Lapeyrouse as the company's chief executive officer, effective June 1.

Adele S. Hapworth

Lapeyrouse will assume the role of chairman for AEU, a provider of workers' compensation insurance for waterfront employers and program administrator for the American Longshore Mutual Association Ltd.

Hapworth joined AEU in 2007 and has served in leadership roles including director of product development, executive vice president and chief operating officer.

"Adele has been instrumental in the success of every major strategic initiative at AEU over the past 14 years," said Lapeyrouse. "She has the operational knowledge and visionary mindset to lead AEU into its next chapter."

Lapeyrouse, who has served as president and CEO of AEU since its inception in 1993, was responsible for founding ALMA in 1997. As chairman of AEU, he will continue to work closely with the executive leadership team on key operational matters and strategic initiatives. He will remain in his role as president of ALMA and continue serving on its board of directors.

In addition to Hapworth's transition to CEO, H. Winchester Thurber IV will join the executive leadership team of AEU in the newly created role of chief commercial officer. Thurber joined AEU in 2012 to drive business development initiatives for AEU and brings decades of leadership experience in the maritime industry to the new role.