Alabama insurance commish to step down

Walter A. Bell, Alabama’s insurance commissioner, announced that he will step down at the end of the month. He will take a new position early September, but has not provided details, according to the commissioner’s office. Mr. Bell has been the state’s chief insurance regulator since 2003, when he was appointed by Gov. Bob Riley. During his time in office, he streamlined department operations, improving access for customers and the industry. A past president of the Kansas City, Mo.-based National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ executive committee, Mr. Bell is currently chairman of its International Insurance Relations Committee. A successor has not yet been named.