Assurant CEO returns to duty

Robert B. Pollock, president and chief executive of Assurant Inc., today returned to his duties at the New York-based insurance provider. His return follows a six-month hiatus beginning last July, when Mr. Pollock went on administrative leave by order of the board of directors. Last year, Mr. Pollock stepped down after the Securities and Exchange Commission had sent him a Wells notice in connection with an investigation of some reinsurance contracts. This letter from SEC staffers is a warning that an enforcement action may be underway. Assurant believes that the investigation centers on a catastrophe reinsurance contract it had started with a reinsurer more than 10 years ago and had expired in 2004. Following a review, Assurant’s directorial board reinstated Mr. Pollock to helm the firm, despite the status of the SEC’s investigation. P. Bruce Camacho, executive vice president, and Adam Lamnin, executive vice president and CFO of Assurant Solutions/Assurant Special Property, were also placed on administrative leave in July 2007 after receiving Wells notices. They remain on leave as the SEC continues its investigation.