Selective Insurance Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Selective Insurance has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, human capital, financial oversight, information technology, and talent management.

Focused on delivering comprehensive property and casualty solutions, Selective Insurance maintains a commitment to operational excellence and long-term financial stability for businesses and individuals across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Selective Insurance

  • Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer - John Marchioni
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer - Anthony Harnett
  • Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer - Sheri Burns
  • Executive VP & Chief Information Officer - John Bresney
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Cyndi Bennett
  • John Marchioni - Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer

    John Marchioni, the Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer at Selective Insurance, directs the overarching corporate strategy and long-term vision for the organization. Marchioni oversees the integration of Standard Commercial, Personal, and Excess and Surplus lines to ensure consistent market growth. By aligning board objectives with operational execution, the Chief Executive Officer drives performance across all insurance segments. This leadership role involves managing complex relationships with independent retail agents and wholesale brokers to expand the national footprint. John Marchioni maintains a focus on capital allocation and risk management to protect the financial health of the enterprise. Through rigorous oversight of the investment portfolio, the Chairman ensures that premium collection strategies support sustainable profitability. Ultimately, Marchioni secures the competitive position of the firm within the broader United States insurance landscape while fostering a culture of accountability and innovation.
    John Marchioni

    Anthony Harnett - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Anthony Harnett, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Selective Insurance, manages the financial reporting, accounting operations, and capital structure of the organization. Harnett oversees the fiscal health of the Standard Commercial, Personal, and E&S Lines segments, ensuring accurate valuation of property and casualty liabilities. By directing the investment of collected premiums into fixed income and equity securities, the Interim Chief Financial Officer optimizes the balance sheet for long-term stability. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board and executive team to maintain rigorous financial controls and regulatory compliance. Anthony Harnett analyzes market trends to inform strategic decisions regarding alternative investment portfolios and risk mitigation. Through precise financial forecasting, the Interim Chief Financial Officer supports the expansion of insurance products across the United States. Ultimately, Harnett ensures the financial integrity of the company while providing the necessary resources for sustained operational success.

    Sheri Burns - Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Sheri Burns, the Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer at Selective Insurance, architects the talent acquisition and organizational development frameworks necessary for scaling insurance operations. Burns manages the recruitment of specialized underwriters and claims professionals to support the Standard Commercial and Personal Lines segments. By implementing comprehensive performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the strategic goals of the company. This leadership role involves designing competitive compensation structures that attract top-tier talent across the United States. Sheri Burns fosters an inclusive corporate culture that emphasizes professional growth and operational efficiency. Through the development of robust training programs, the Executive VP enhances the technical capabilities of the staff. Ultimately, Burns drives the human capital strategy that enables the firm to deliver superior property and casualty services to businesses and local government agencies.

    John Bresney - Executive VP & Chief Information Officer

    John Bresney, the Executive VP & Chief Information Officer at Selective Insurance, architects the digital infrastructure and technological platforms that power the insurance lifecycle. Bresney oversees the development of advanced data analytics tools to improve underwriting accuracy for property and casualty products. By integrating secure systems for independent agents and brokers, the Chief Information Officer streamlines the delivery of insurance services across the United States. This leadership role involves managing cybersecurity initiatives to protect sensitive client data and ensure operational resilience. John Bresney drives the digital transformation of claims processing to enhance efficiency and customer satisfaction. Through the implementation of scalable cloud solutions, the Executive VP supports the complex data requirements of the Standard Commercial and E&S Lines segments. Ultimately, Bresney ensures that the technological capabilities of the firm remain at the forefront of the insurance industry.
    John Bresney

    Cyndi Bennett - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cyndi Bennett, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Selective Insurance, directs the strategic workforce planning and employee engagement initiatives for the organization. Bennett oversees the implementation of leadership development programs that prepare the next generation of managers for the insurance sector. By refining the internal communication strategies, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that all departments remain connected to the core mission of providing reliable property and casualty coverage. This leadership role involves managing labor relations and ensuring compliance with employment regulations across the United States. Cyndi Bennett designs wellness and benefits packages that support the diverse needs of the workforce. Through the application of data-driven insights, the Executive Vice President optimizes staffing levels to meet the demands of the Standard Personal and Commercial Lines segments. Ultimately, Bennett cultivates a high-performance environment that drives the overall success of the company.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Selective Insurance Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Selective Insurance?
    Selective Insurance is led by John Marchioni (Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Anthony Harnett (Interim Chief Financial Officer) and Sheri Burns (Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer).
    Who is part of Selective Insurance’s executive team?
    The executive team of Selective Insurance includes leaders such as John Marchioni (Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer), Anthony Harnett (Interim Chief Financial Officer), Sheri Burns (Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Selective Insurance have?
    Selective Insurance has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Selective Insurance’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Selective Insurance includes roles such as Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, Executive VP & Chief Human Resources Officer, Executive VP & Chief Information Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer.