Kemper Appoints Former Bristol West Leader Eric Kappler as President of P&C Operations
By Lauren Towner · 22 July 2026

Quick Summary
Kemper Corporation has appointed Eric Kappler as Executive Vice President and President of P&C. This strategic Kemper executive appointment aims to strengthen the company's specialty personal and commercial vehicle lines by leveraging Kappler’s extensive experience in the non-standard auto market and digital innovation.
How Will Eric Kappler Lead Kemper’s P&C Strategy?
Eric Kappler takes the helm of Kemper’s unified Property & Casualty (P&C) organization, overseeing specialty vehicle lines and claims operations. His primary focus involves driving disciplined growth and enhancing the company's distribution capabilities. By integrating his background in multibillion-dollar business management, Kappler is expected to streamline operations across the Kemper Auto brand.
- Management of specialty personal lines and commercial vehicle segments.
- Overseeing P&C claims operations to improve customer satisfaction.
- Reporting directly to CEO Stephen McAnena to align with corporate strategy.
What Experience Does Kappler Bring to the Non-Standard Auto Market?
With over two decades of experience, Kappler is a veteran of the insurance industry. His most recent tenure as President of Bristol West Insurance saw him deliver strong underwriting results through rigorous pricing and digital innovation. This Kemper executive appointment signals a commitment to navigating complex market conditions while building high-performing teams.
- Led a multibillion-dollar business at Bristol West.
- Expertise in non-standard auto market dynamics.
- Proven track record in digital innovation and pricing strategies.
How Does This Move Impact Kemper’s Long-Term Success?
The transition follows the departure of Matthew Hunton and marks a new chapter for Kemper’s $12 billion asset portfolio. By appointing a leader with a history of improving profitability, Kemper positions itself to better serve its 4.5 million policies and 24,000 agents. The focus remains on personalized insurance solutions that are both affordable and easy to use.
“Eric is an accomplished insurance executive with deep experience in our business and an impressive record of delivering results,” said McAnena. “As we execute against our strategic priorities, his leadership and experience will help us continue strengthening our business and positioning Kemper for long-term success. I look forward to welcoming him to our leadership team. I also want to thank Matt for his leadership and contributions to Kemper, and I wish him success in the future.”
FF NEWS TAKE:
This Kemper executive appointment definitely moves the needle for the specialty insurance sector. Bringing in a heavy hitter like Kappler from Bristol West suggests Kemper is doubling down on underwriting discipline and digital transformation. In a volatile P&C market, his expertise in non-standard auto is exactly what Kemper needs to maintain its competitive edge and drive sustainable shareholder value.
Companies in this story: NYSE, Bristol West Insurance, Kemper Corporation
People in this story: Eric Kappler, Matthew Hunton, Stephen J. McAnena