Barbagallo In at Progressive’s Drive; Bauer Out at Direct

May 23, 2006

The Progressive Corporation has appointed John A. Barbagallo as the new president of the company’s Drive Group of Insurance Companies and also announced that the president of its Direct Group is leaving the company.

Barbagallo, 46, who joined the company more than 20 years ago as a claims representative, currently serves as the Drive Atlantic Region general manager.

Barbagallo replaces Robert T. Williams, who resigned effective May 17.

Also, Alan R. Bauer, president of the company’s Direct Group of Insurance Companies since 2002, will step down from his responsibilities and leave the company effective today. Bauer joined Progressive in 1979.

Progressive Corp. CEO and President Glenn Renwick announced the commencement of an internal search for the next Direct Group President.

Brian A. Silva, 53, currently general manager of the company’s commercial auto group has been promoted to commercial group president and will now report directly to

Renwick also reaffirmed his intent to name a new CFO by the end of the third quarter to succeed Tom Forrester who will retire in early 2007, noting that the selection process for that position has already begun among a pool of highly qualified internal candidates.

The products and services of the Progressive Direct Group of Insurance Companies are marketed directly to consumers by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE and online at www.progressivedirect.com through the Progressive Direct brand.

The Drive Group of Progressive Insurance Companies offers insurance through more than 30,000 independent insurance agencies.

Source: Progressive