Selective Insurance Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Focused on delivering comprehensive property and casualty solutions, Selective Insurance maintains a commitment to excellence through its network of independent agents and robust investment portfolio.

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 Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer - Cyndi Bennett
  • Executive VP & Chief Information Officer - John Bresney
  • 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 across the United States. By aligning operational goals with the needs of independent retail agents and wholesale partners, the Chief Executive Officer maintains a competitive edge in the property and casualty insurance sector. John Marchioni manages the interaction between the Board and executive leadership to drive shareholder value and operational efficiency. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments while expanding the reach of insurance products to businesses and local government agencies. Through rigorous oversight of the investment portfolio and underwriting standards, the Chairman ensures the financial stability of the entire enterprise while fostering a culture of innovation and disciplined risk management.
    John Marchioni

    Anthony Harnett - Interim Chief Financial Officer

    Anthony Harnett, the Interim Chief Financial Officer at Selective Insurance, manages the financial health and fiscal integrity of the organization. Harnett oversees the reporting, accounting, and capital allocation processes that support the company's diverse insurance segments, including Standard Commercial, Personal, and Excess and Surplus lines. By directing the management of the investment portfolio, the Interim Chief Financial Officer ensures that premiums collected are effectively deployed into fixed income and equity securities to maximize returns. Anthony Harnett coordinates with the Board and external auditors to maintain transparency and regulatory compliance across all financial operations. This leadership role involves analyzing market trends to inform strategic decision-making and risk assessment for the entire enterprise. Through the rigorous monitoring of financial performance metrics, the Interim Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data to support the company's growth initiatives and long-term stability within the competitive United States insurance landscape.

    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 strategies necessary to support a national insurance provider. Burns focuses on building a high-performance culture that aligns with the company's mission of providing specialized property and casualty coverage. By implementing advanced workforce planning and leadership development programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the organization retains top-tier talent capable of navigating the complexities of the insurance industry. Sheri Burns manages internal communication frameworks and employee engagement initiatives that drive productivity across all regional operations. This role involves collaborating with other C-suite leaders to align human capital investments with the broader business objectives of the firm. Through the design of comprehensive compensation and benefits structures, the Executive VP supports the recruitment of professionals who maintain the high service standards expected by independent agents and policyholders throughout the United States.

    Cyndi Bennett - Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer

    Cyndi Bennett, the Executive Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Selective Insurance, drives the strategic evolution of the company's internal culture and organizational structure. Bennett focuses on optimizing performance management systems and diversity initiatives to ensure the workforce remains agile in a rapidly changing insurance market. By overseeing the implementation of modern HR technologies, the Executive Vice President enhances operational efficiency and employee connectivity across the national footprint. Cyndi Bennett collaborates with the executive team to align talent strategies with the specific needs of the Standard Commercial and Personal Lines segments. This leadership role involves managing complex organizational changes and fostering an environment that prioritizes professional growth and operational excellence. Through the development of robust training programs, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that all staff members possess the expertise required to support the company's commitment to providing superior property, casualty, and flood insurance products to diverse client bases.

    John Bresney - Executive VP & Chief Information Officer

    John Bresney, the Executive VP & Chief Information Officer at Selective Insurance, architects the digital infrastructure and technological capabilities that power the company's insurance operations. Bresney oversees the development of scalable platforms that facilitate seamless interactions between independent agents and the firm's underwriting systems. By driving the adoption of advanced data analytics and cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects the integrity of policyholder information and enhances the efficiency of claims processing. John Bresney manages the integration of new technologies into the existing business model to support the expansion of property, casualty, and flood insurance services. This leadership role involves collaborating with other executives to ensure that IT investments directly contribute to operational agility and market responsiveness. Through the continuous modernization of digital tools, the Executive VP enables the organization to maintain a competitive advantage while delivering reliable and accessible insurance solutions to businesses and individuals across the country.
    John Bresney

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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 Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Executive VP & Chief Information Officer.