WQIS President Hobbie to Retire

WQIS announces senior leadership change as president Richard Hobbie sets retirement

Richard Hobbie III will retire from his position as President & CEO of the Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS) after four decades as underwriter, claims manager and board member.

Hobbie and the board of managers have agreed upon January 1, 2015 as his official retirement date, and Rich will be available as a consultant to WQIS until Dec. 31, 2017 under the agreement.

“This is something that I’ve been considering for a while now, but I needed to feel absolutely sure that WQIS was going to be in good hands,” Hobbie said. “I’ve devoted a large part of my life to this organization and finally feel that we have the leadership team in place that can carry on the progress, excellence and industry leadership that has made WQIS the major force in vessel pollution.”

According to WQIS, the move comes as no surprise to its senior leadership team, as Hobbie and the board of managers have been discussing succession at WQIS for some time. A highly experienced team has been in place and the next era of leadership will come directly from this skilled staff which was hand-picked by Hobbie, with the support and agreement of the board.

John Ryszetnyk III, SVP, will be promoted to President of WQIS. Andy Garger, VP & General Counsel, will be promoted to Senior Vice President & General Counsel. John Moy, VP, Underwriting, will be promoted to Senior Vice President & Chief Underwriting Officer. These senior leaders are working with Hobbie to facilitate an orderly transition. The promotions will be effective January 1, 2015.

“Like Rich, this is my second term at WQIS. The strength and vision of this organization is what brought me back a second time and it’s what has me so confident about the future,” Ryszetnyk said. “I’m honored to have been selected to lead this great company, but even more, I’m excited about what we’re going to be able to accomplish for the industry.”