The payroll tax increase was destructive financially, it took what was a close call and made it a bad call.

I have no political ambitions whatsoever. My ambitions are all about what XL can become.

From the very first time I talked to Safeco employees, I said the reality was expenses were too high and the reality is two-thirds of our expenses are people, so the reality is there will be effects on people.

At XL, we tackle risk like no one else, analyzing deeper and listening closely to our clients to create solutions that unleash the world's capacity to advance. By helping our clients unlock their full potential, we fulfill our own. Our new brand demonstrates this unique outlook and the commitment and value we bring to clients.

My eldest son, Jack, grew up with me as a 'part-time' dad.

Those who have gone through a divorce know the pain and special challenges of raising a child under such circumstances.

You have to understand, I grew up in the shadow of the Safeco tower.

XL is dedicated to understanding shifting business dynamics and helping our clients thrive in increasingly complex and changing environments. 'The Future of the Company' platform will allow us to offer insights and commentary on these essential topics to a global and diverse audience and feature insights from XL experts.

The elimination of unnecessary collateral requirements on foreign insurers and reinsurers is not only beneficial for the individual companies, but for the industry as a whole.

XL is a world class brand with very successful insurance, reinsurance and life reinsurance businesses and I look forward to helping it realize its full potential.

While Safeco's turnaround is one of the greatest things I have ever participated in, the heart-wrenching decisions to let people go will stay with me forever.