American International Group has announced that Don Bailey (pictured above), CEO for North America Commercial Insurance, will retire at the end of the year to focus on his health.
The company also unveiled a new leadership structure for its North America operations, set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2026.
Bailey’s retirement marks the conclusion of a nearly 40-year career in the insurance industry. Since joining AIG, he has played a central role in repositioning the company’s North America Commercial business as part of its broader strategic transformation. Under his leadership, AIG strengthened broker and client relationships, enhanced its distribution strategy, and achieved record levels of client retention and new business growth, the company claimed.
Peter Zaffino, chairman and CEO of AIG, said Bailey revitalized AIG's distribution and client relationships and helped instill underwriting excellence across the organization. He added that Bailey made a strong impact on the company and that his tenure at AIG was among the most significant of his career.
Bailey described his time at AIG as the highlight of his career, noting that joining the company during a critical period in its turnaround was especially meaningful. He said it had been an honour to lead the North America team and that he was confident the incoming leaders would sustain the company’s momentum in the market.
As part of the upcoming transition, AIG will implement a refreshed North America leadership structure. Effective Jan. 1, 2026, the following executives will report to John Neal, incoming president of AIG: Allison Cooper, who will be promoted to co-president of retail, North America Commercial; Barbara Luck, who will be promoted to co-president of retail, North America Commercial, and Lou Levinson, who will be promoted to president of wholesale, North America Commercial.
The leadership changes reinforce AIG’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its regional structure and streamline decision-making.
As the insurer continues to focus on underwriting discipline, operational efficiency, and broker engagement, the new leadership team is expected to play a key role in supporting growth across both retail and wholesale segments in the North American market.
