RLI Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

RLI has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, legal, and product development.

Driven by underwriting discipline, RLI is dedicated to providing specialty insurance solutions through a robust network of agents and brokers, emphasizing strong customer relationships and long-term financial stability across niche markets.

Leadership Roles at RLI

  • Chief Executive Officer - Sheikh Ripon
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jennifer Klobnak
  • President & Chief Operating Officer - Michael Stone
  • President - David Cox
  • President - Robert Schauer
  • President - Peter Maxwell
  • President - Michael Bohler
  • President & Group Rli Products Executive - Chad Berberich
  • President - Rafael Lopez
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer - Jeffrey Fick
  • Sheikh Ripon - Chief Executive Officer

    Sheikh Ripon, the Chief Executive Officer at RLI, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational framework for the specialty insurance provider. Ripon guides the company's expansion into niche markets, ensuring adherence to strict underwriting discipline and fostering robust customer relationships. This leadership role involves setting the vision for long-term financial stability, a core tenet of RLI's market approach. By aligning departmental objectives with the company's mission, Sheikh Ripon ensures that RLI effectively serves both businesses and individuals with tailored property, casualty, and surety solutions. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on sustainable growth and maintaining RLI's competitive edge through strategic decision-making and market analysis.

    Jennifer Klobnak - Chief Operating Officer

    Jennifer Klobnak, the Chief Operating Officer at RLI, oversees the day-to-day operational execution and efficiency across the organization. Klobnak manages the integration of new technologies and processes to enhance service delivery for property, casualty, and surety solutions. This role is critical in ensuring seamless collaboration between underwriting, claims, and distribution channels, supporting RLI's focus on niche markets. By optimizing internal workflows, Jennifer Klobnak drives operational excellence and contributes directly to the company's commitment to long-term financial stability. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include streamlining operations to support strong customer relationships and maintaining the company's reputation for reliability.
    Jennifer Klobnak

    Michael Stone - President & Chief Operating Officer

    Michael Stone, the President & Chief Operating Officer at RLI, directs strategic initiatives and operational management to enhance the company's market position. Stone's leadership ensures that RLI's property, casualty, and surety offerings effectively meet the demands of specialized markets through a network of agents and brokers. This dual role involves driving operational improvements while also contributing to the broader strategic direction of the organization, reinforcing RLI's emphasis on underwriting discipline. Michael Stone's oversight is crucial for maintaining strong customer relationships and achieving long-term financial stability. The President & Chief Operating Officer's focus extends to optimizing resource allocation and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all business units.

    David Cox - President

    David Cox, the President at RLI, spearheads key strategic growth areas and market development initiatives for the specialty insurance provider. Cox focuses on expanding RLI's reach within property, casualty, and surety sectors, leveraging the company's established network of agents and brokers. This leadership position involves identifying new opportunities in niche markets and ensuring alignment with RLI's core principles of underwriting discipline and customer focus. David Cox's contributions are vital to maintaining the company's reputation for long-term financial stability and strong client partnerships. The President's role emphasizes driving innovation and enhancing the value proposition for both businesses and individuals served by RLI.

    Robert Schauer - President

    Robert Schauer, the President at RLI, drives strategic direction and operational oversight for specific product lines within the specialty insurance portfolio. Schauer's leadership ensures that RLI's property, casualty, and surety solutions are effectively delivered to niche markets through established agent and broker relationships. This role is instrumental in upholding RLI's commitment to underwriting discipline and fostering enduring customer partnerships. Robert Schauer's focus on operational efficiency and market responsiveness directly supports the company's objective of achieving long-term financial stability. The President's responsibilities include enhancing product offerings and ensuring superior service delivery to a diverse client base.
    Robert Schauer

    Peter Maxwell - President

    Peter Maxwell, the President at RLI, directs strategic growth and operational excellence within designated segments of the specialty insurance market. Maxwell's leadership focuses on enhancing RLI's property, casualty, and surety product lines, ensuring they meet the unique needs of niche markets served by agents and brokers. This position is key to reinforcing RLI's dedication to underwriting discipline and cultivating strong, lasting customer relationships. Peter Maxwell's efforts are central to achieving the company's objective of long-term financial stability and market leadership. The President's role involves driving strategic partnerships and optimizing service delivery to clients across various industries.
    Peter Maxwell

    Michael Bohler - President

    Michael Bohler, the President at RLI, leads strategic initiatives aimed at expanding the company's footprint in specialty insurance markets. Bohler's focus is on optimizing the delivery of property, casualty, and surety solutions through RLI's established network of agents and brokers, reinforcing underwriting discipline. This executive role is crucial for fostering strong customer relationships and ensuring the company's continued long-term financial stability. Michael Bohler's leadership drives operational enhancements and market penetration strategies, supporting RLI's mission to serve businesses and individuals effectively. The President's responsibilities include identifying emerging market trends and adapting product offerings to meet evolving client needs.

    Chad Berberich - President & Group Rli Products Executive

    Chad Berberich, the President & Group Rli Products Executive at RLI, oversees the strategic development and management of the company's diverse product portfolio. Berberich directs efforts to enhance RLI's property, casualty, and surety offerings, ensuring they cater effectively to niche markets through a robust network of agents and brokers. This critical role reinforces RLI's commitment to underwriting discipline and cultivating strong customer relationships. Chad Berberich's leadership is essential for driving innovation in product design and maintaining the company's long-term financial stability. The President & Group Rli Products Executive's focus is on maximizing product competitiveness and market relevance.

    Rafael Lopez - President

    Rafael Lopez, the President at RLI, drives strategic market expansion and operational effectiveness for key business segments. Lopez's leadership ensures that RLI's property, casualty, and surety solutions are optimally positioned to serve niche markets via its extensive network of agents and brokers. This role is pivotal in upholding RLI's core principles of underwriting discipline and fostering deep customer relationships. Rafael Lopez's contributions are vital to achieving sustained long-term financial stability and enhancing RLI's market presence. The President's responsibilities include identifying growth opportunities and ensuring seamless execution of strategic plans across all relevant divisions.
    Jeffrey Fick, the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer at RLI, provides critical legal counsel and oversees all legal affairs for the specialty insurance company. Fick ensures compliance with regulatory requirements across property, casualty, and surety operations, safeguarding RLI's interests and upholding its commitment to underwriting discipline. This executive role is essential for managing risk, advising on corporate governance, and supporting strategic initiatives that promote long-term financial stability. Jeffrey Fick's expertise is vital in navigating complex legal landscapes and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders, including agents, brokers, and regulatory bodies. The Chief Legal Officer's guidance is fundamental to RLI's ethical operations and sustained market presence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding RLI Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads RLI?
    RLI is led by Sheikh Ripon (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Jennifer Klobnak (Chief Operating Officer) and Michael Stone (President & Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of RLI’s executive team?
    The executive team of RLI includes leaders such as Sheikh Ripon (Chief Executive Officer), Jennifer Klobnak (Chief Operating Officer), Michael Stone (President & Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does RLI have?
    RLI has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in RLI’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of RLI includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President & Chief Operating Officer, President, President.