HASTINGS, MI--(Marketwire - Aug 31, 2012) - Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, an award-winning, regional Property/Casualty insurance carrier in the Midwest, today announced the retirement of Vice President of Insurance Operations Keith Jandahl. Jandahl, originally from Langford, South Dakota and graduate of Northern State College, served as VP of Insurance Operations at Hastings Mutual for more than 13 years. Jandahl will retire at the end of 2012 after a 35 year career in the insurance industry.

"It has been a privilege to work with the employees at Hastings Mutual and with our independent agency partners during the past 13 years," said Jandahl. "Over the years, Hastings Mutual has grown from a small mutual company, to a regional company that has gained national attention. Hastings Mutual continues to be successful because of our people. The employees here are hard working, professional, and loyal."

During his time at Hastings Mutual, the company doubled its direct written premium from $179 million to a projected $359 million by year-end 2012, with Commercial Lines written premium increasing from $56 million to approximately $146 million. Under Jandahl's direction, the company also expanded its products to include Light Manufacturing, Church, Vintners, and Greenhouse programs along with being one of the first carriers to offer Pollution Coverage for farms and automatically include Equipment Breakdown Coverage in the company's farm program.

While Jandahl has experience in nearly every area of the insurance industry, spread across several Midwestern carriers, he began his early career as a Business Education Instructor at Lake Preston High School and Milbank High School, both in South Dakota. He continued his passion for education throughout his career by teaching CPCU courses, the CPSR Program for the PIA, and other various insurance education seminars. He has served on the Board of Directors for the National Independent Statistical Service (NISS) and American West Insurance Company, and has also served on the ISO Commercial Lines Panel and the NAMIC Commercial Lines Educational Committee.

Jandahl will be succeeded by William (Bill) Gregor, who is currently serving as the Assistant Vice President of Personal and Farm Lines. Gregor will officially assume the role of Vice President of Insurance Operations on December 1, 2012 after Keith's last day at Hastings Mutual. Gregor joined Hastings Mutual in 1985 and has more than 35 years of industry experience.

"Because of Hastings Mutual's history of financial strength and stability, the company is in an excellent position to grow in future years," said Jandahl. "I am confident that under Bill's leadership in the area of insurance operations, we will continue our record of underwriting discipline while innovating on products and coverages that separate us from our competition in the marketplace."

About Hastings Mutual Insurance Company

Hastings Mutual Insurance Company is an award-winning, A. M. Best: A+ rated, regional Property Casualty insurance company. Hastings Mutual operates in the six Midwestern states of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin. The company, based in Hastings, Michigan, was founded in 1885. Hastings Mutual writes commercial, farm, and personal lines business through a network of independent insurance agents. For more information about Hastings Mutual visit the company website at www.hastingsmutual.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter.