RLI Corp., a U.S. specialty insurance company focused on the property, casualty and surety markets, announced significant leadership changes within its claims organization, effective April 1, 2026.
Cory Figiel has been named chief claims officer, responsible for guiding strategy and overseeing operations across all claims functions. She succeeds Bob Handzel, who retires on March 31, 2026, after 20 years with the company and a 47-year career in the insurance industry.
Figiel has held a range of senior roles since joining RLI in 2016 as Director of Claims Solicitors. Most recently, as Vice President of Claims, she provided administrative oversight of professional liability, environmental liability, executive product and warranty claims.
She comes to her new role with nearly 20 years of legal and insurance experience and a strong background in complex claims leadership. Figiel received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois and his J.D. from Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law.
In a parallel promotion, Charles Spiekerman has been named vice president of claims. He will now lead the teams responsible for professional liability, environmental liability, enforcement products and warranty claims.
Spiekerman joined the company in 2015 as a claims examiner and rose steadily through the ranks, serving as claims manager, claims director and assistant vice president of professional liability claims. He has 18 years of experience in the legal and insurance fields. His education includes a bachelor’s degree in business administration in accounting from the University of Michigan and a juris doctorate from Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago-Kent College of Law.
Jen Klobnak, chief operating officer of RLI Corp., added: “These leadership changes reflect RLI’s commitment to strong, collaborative leadership and thoughtful succession planning.”
“Corey and Charles have consistently delivered strong results and demonstrated a strong commitment to our employees and clients. They will continue to play a key role in advancing our claims organization and delivering exceptional service.”
