Smith will succeed current CEO and chairman Thomas F Chapman at the agency and data supplier. He will take up the CEO role on his arrival on September 19, and the chairman role when Chapman retires from the company at the end of the year.
Chapman pointed to the experience of Smith, who has spent 22 years at GE and held CEO positions in three different business units – insurance, reinsurance and fleet services.
"Rick's broad experience as a leader in technology, risk management and financial services will serve him well when he takes the helm of this fine company," Chapman said.
Smith said he was excited to be joining the Atlanta, Georgia-based company.
"This is a company with a history spanning 106 years, built and led by the performance of many dedicated employees throughout the world," he said.
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