Former Ironshore, Lexington CEO Kevin Kelley Dies

By | August 8, 2025

Long-time industry leader Kevin H. Kelley has died.

Kelley was last in the industry with Liberty Mutual Insurance, where he was vice chairman, Global Risk Solutions after joining the company in 2017 when Ironshore was acquired by Liberty Mutual.

He retired at the end of 2019.

Kevin Kelley

“We were deeply saddened to learn of Kevin’s passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family,” said Tim Sweeney, chairman and CEO of Liberty Mutual Insurance. “Throughout his long and distinguished career, Kevin demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovative thinking. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence many within Liberty Mutual and across the industry for years to come.”

Kelley had been CEO of Ironshore since 2008 when it was acquired. Following the deal’s closing, he said Liberty Mutual gave Ironshore a chance to be a “premier specialty property/casualty insurer.” Kelley was credited with leading Ironshore from start-up beginnings (founded in 2006 by Bob Deutsch) to a global excess and surplus specialty lines insurance company.

Kelley joined Ironshore late in 2008 after 30 years with Lexington Insurance Co, where he served as chairman and CEO starting in 1997. He rose from being a senior underwriter in 1975 to his appointment as president and CEO of the surplus lines insurer in 1987.

His insurance career also included positions as executive vice president of AIG Property Casualty Group, president of AIG Domestic Personal Lines, and director of C.V. Starr & Co. and Starr International Companies.

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