The Institutes Griffith Foundation and APCIA recognize Roche’s four decades of leadership and contributions to insurance education ahead of his planned retirement
John C. “Jack” Roche, president and chief executive officer of The Hanover Insurance Group, has received the 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award from The Institutes Griffith Foundation and the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA).
The award was presented during APCIA’s Annual Meeting in Boston, recognizing Roche’s contributions to the property and casualty insurance industry, his longstanding commitment to insurance education, and his support of both organizations.
Roche, who has spent more than 40 years in the P&C insurance industry, previously announced plans to retire as The Hanover’s president and CEO at the end of 2026.
Recognizing Four Decades of Insurance Leadership
Katherine Horowitz, CPCU, president of The Institutes, presented the award, citing Roche’s commitment to developing future insurance professionals.
“Jack’s career embodies the leadership this award was created to honor,” said Horowitz. “Across more than four decades in property and casualty insurance, he has made education a priority, generously sharing his knowledge and opening doors for others to learn and grow. It is an honor to celebrate that commitment.”
APCIA President and CEO David A. Sampson also recognized Roche’s contributions beyond his executive responsibilities at The Hanover.
“He has always understood that leadership extends beyond any one company. It’s also about giving back, sharing what you know, and helping prepare the next generation to lead. Jack has done that throughout his career, and he is very deserving of this honor,” Sampson said.
The Griffith Foundation and APCIA have jointly recognized insurance industry leaders for more than two decades through the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Roche’s Career at The Hanover
Roche joined Worcester, Massachusetts-based The Hanover in 2006 and became president and CEO in 2017 after holding several senior leadership positions in the company’s personal and commercial insurance operations.
During his tenure as CEO, The Hanover has continued to emphasize its independent agency distribution channel and invest in capabilities supporting its agents and customers.
In addition to his responsibilities at The Hanover, Roche serves on The Institutes Board of Trustees, APCIA’s board of directors, and the board of overseers of St. John’s University’s Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance and Actuarial Science.
His planned retirement at year-end will conclude a career spanning more than four decades in the property and casualty insurance industry.
