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Union Mutual of Vermont Companies announced Michael W. Nobles was elected to become the new president and chief executive officer of Union Mutual effective at the companies’ annual meeting on Feb. 26, 2014.

Nobles, currently serving as chief operating officer of Union Mutual, will succeed John H. (Josh) Fitzhugh, who plans to retire in February. Fitzhugh has been president and CEO of Union Mutual since 2008. Fitzhugh will become the chairman of the board at the annual meeting.

Nobles, 44, joined Union Mutual of Vermont Companies in 1995, and previously held the positions of assistant treasurer, treasurer, senior vice president and was promoted to COO in July of 2013. Nobles is also currently CEO of Eastern Mutual Insurance Company, an affiliate of Union Mutual, and was recently elected as CEO and chairman of the board of Community Mutual Insurance Company, also a Union Mutual affiliate.

Union Mutual of Vermont Companies, founded in 1874, is a property/casualty insurance group consisting of Union Mutual Fire Insurance and New England Guaranty Insurance Company Inc., both based in Montpelier, Vt.; Eastern Mutual Insurance Company, based in Greenville, N.Y.; and Community Mutual Insurance Company, based in East Schodack, N.Y.

The four companies write a total of $130 million in direct premium annually through independent agents throughout New England and New York.