The board of directors of Crawford & Company, a global provider of claims management and outsourcing solutions to insurance companies and self-insured entities, has appointed W. Bruce Swain, Jr. as president and chief executive officer (CEO), effective immediately.
Effective January 1, 2026, Swain serves in an interim dual role, working closely with the leadership team to support the company’s current priorities. He will continue to serve as a member of Crawford’s executive leadership team and the company’s Board of Directors.
Swain has been with Crawford for more than three decades, including 19 years as chief financial officer. He was instrumental in developing the company’s financial strategy and global operations.
Jesse Crawford, Jr., Chairman of the Non-Executive Board of Directors, commented: “Since assuming his interim role, Bruce has continued to demonstrate a clear understanding of the business and his strong connection to the leadership team. The Board has full confidence in Bruce’s ability to lead Crawford forward, and we are pleased to appoint him as permanent President and CEO.”
Swain added, “I am honored to continue leading Crawford as president and CEO. I look forward to working with our leadership team and colleagues around the world as we continue to focus on serving customers and executing our strategy.”
Meanwhile, Jesse Crawford, Sr., a member of Crawford’s Board of Directors since 1986 and former Board Chairman, revealed his intention not to seek re-election at the 2026 Annual Shareholders Meeting (ASM) on May 14, 2026, as part of a thoughtful and orderly Board transition.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the company’s growth, stability and culture, the Board of Directors will appoint Crawford as an honorary member of the Board and grant him the title of Honorary Company Officer, effective upon the conclusion of ASM.
Crawford represents the second generation of leadership in the Crawford family. He is the son of founder Jim Crawford and played a key role in guiding the company through decades of expansion and transformation.
The company will recognize Crawford’s service at its annual shareholder meeting, at which time he will formally transition to the honorary position.
Through four decades of service, he helped shape Crawford’s global footprint, strengthen its financial foundation and champion the core values that continue to define the company today. As the majority shareholder, he remains the steward of continuity and long-term strategic vision.
Jesse Crawford, Jr. added, “My father has always been a dedicated steward of Crawford’s mission to serve our clients, their policyholders and our associates. He was a mentor to many, a stabilizing force during turbulent times and a constant advocate for our associates around the world. I am honored to continue to champion these same ideals and build on the ‘Quality in Time’ foundation my grandfather established 85 years ago.”
“Jesse Sr. has played an important role in Crawford & Company’s continued success,” said Swain. “He has long embodied the values on which the company was built – service, integrity and an unwavering commitment to doing the right thing for our customers, colleagues and shareholders. We are grateful for his decades of dedication and are excited to continue to benefit from his perspective as an honorary member of the Board of Directors.”