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HARTFORD, Conn.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--[ The Hartford ] has named Matthew Kirk senior vice president of Sales and Distribution for the companyas Commercial Markets division, reporting to Commercial Markets President Doug Elliot. The company has promoted Jay Rosenblum to succeed Kirk as senior vice president of Government Affairs, reporting to Alan Kreczko, executive vice president and general counsel for The Hartford.

"Jay has a well-earned reputation, political acumen and a deep understanding of the company and the regulatory environment. Government affairs will play a critical role as The Hartford continues to execute on its strategic plan. Jay is well positioned to take on this important responsibility."

aMattas in-depth knowledge of the issues facing the insurance industry and his experience managing key relationships make him well-suited to lead our Sales and Distribution organization as we work to grow the Commercial Markets business under The Hartfordas go-forward strategy,a said Elliot. aMatt understands the environment in which our distribution partners operate and knows what it takes for agents to be successful in the markets in which they do business.a

Kirk joined The Hartford in 2006, most recently serving as senior vice president and director of Government Affairs. He led all governmental interactions for The Hartford during the global financial crisis and managed the companyas engagement with regulators and legislators on multiple industry issues. Prior to joining The Hartford, Kirk served in the White House as deputy assistant for legislative affairs to President George W. Bush. He succeeds Mike Concannon, who was appointed to lead The Hartfordas Group Benefits segment earlier this year.

aWe are fortunate to have a deep bench of talent on our Government Affairs team. Matt has been on the forefront of navigating key issues for the company for the past six years and will excel in his new role,a Kreczko said. aJay has a well-earned reputation, political acumen and a deep understanding of the company and the regulatory environment. Government affairs will play a critical role as The Hartford continues to execute on its strategic plan. Jay is well positioned to take on this important responsibility.a

Rosenblum will oversee and set strategic direction for The Hartfordas state and federal advocacy. He joined the company in 2009 and has led The Hartfordas federal affairs team in Washington, D.C., and was the companyas chief advocate before Congress and the executive branch.

Prior to joining The Hartford, Rosenblum represented the accounting profession in Washington, D.C., for nine years, first at Ernst & Young and later as the head of Grant Thorntonas Government Affairs office. Earlier in his career, he held several roles in the Clinton administration.

Laura Haines has been promoted to succeed Rosenblum as vice president of federal affairs. Haines has served as assistant vice president for Government Affairs since 2006. She began her career at The Hartford in 1993 in Group Benefits sales and was the top group sales producer in 1996 and 1997 for the priority accounts segment. From 1999 to 2002, Haines worked for Standard Insurance Company selling group life and disability insurance. She returned to The Hartford in 2002 when she joined The Hartfordas federal affairs office.

About The Hartford

The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (NYSE: HIG) is a leading provider of insurance and wealth management services for millions of consumers and businesses worldwide. The Hartford is consistently recognized for its superior service, its sustainability efforts and as one of the world's most ethical companies. More information on the company and its financial performance is available at [ www.thehartford.com ]. Join us on Facebook at [ www.facebook.com/TheHartford ]. Follow us on Twitter at [ www.twitter.com/TheHartford ].

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Some of the statements in this release may be considered forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We caution investors that these forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results may differ materially. Investors should consider the important risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ. These important risks and uncertainties include those discussed in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K and the other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We assume no obligation to update this release, which speaks as of the date issued.

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