April 5, 2005

GW School of Business Names Allstate Chief Executive Edward M. Liddy CEO of the Year

Edward M. Liddy (MBA ’72), chair, president, and CEO of The Allstate Corporation, was honored as The George Washington University School of Business’ Alumni Association’s 2005 CEO of the Year, March 23.

“Ed Liddy exemplifies characteristics we hope to instill in our students — solid leadership and management skills as well as a commitment to active involvement in one's industry and community,” said Susan M. Phillips, dean of GW’s School of Business. “Providing opportunities for students to interact with successful business people is an important aspect of business education. Each year we bring a slate of impressive speakers to campus, and I’m always pleased when we’re able to host one of our own.”

Each year the GW School of Business Alumni Association selects honorees for the annual CEO of the Year Award on the basis of leadership and managerial success, service to the community, and nominees’ interest in furthering higher education. Previous honorees have included J.W. Marriott Jr., Marriott Hotel Corporation; Aaron Feuerstein, Malden Mills Industries Inc.; and Frank Zarb, NASD.

Liddy joined Allstate as president and chief operating officer in 1994 and became chair, president, and CEO of The Allstate Corporation in 1999. Along the way, he transformed the company — with one of the best-known brands in the business — from primarily an auto and homeowners insurer to a financial services provider. He expanded Allstate’s offerings to include financial services products, launched an industry-leading underwriting and pricing tool, encouraged Allstate agencies to grow their businesses and become licensed to sell advanced financial products, and broadened distribution channels. Before joining Allstate in August 1994, Liddy was employed by Sears, Roebuck and Company.

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