Todd Bryant will step down as chief financial officer of RLI Corp. on December 31, 2025, and Aaron Diefenthaler will take over the role on January 1, 2026. Bryant, who has served as CFO since 2019 and joined the company in 1993, will remain in an advisory capacity through mid‑2026 to support a smooth transition.
Bryant’s 30‑year tenure has seen RLI maintain a strong financial footing, including a 29‑year streak of underwriting profitability and an A+ rating from AM Best. His decision to retire after three decades of leadership underscores the company’s commitment to continuity while allowing the organization to focus on future growth initiatives.
Diefenthaler, who has been with RLI since 2012 and previously led the company’s investment strategy as chief investment officer and treasurer, brings deep internal experience. His promotion signals RLI’s preference for developing talent from within and reflects confidence that his expertise in investment management will help sustain the firm’s disciplined financial approach as it expands its product mix.
RLI’s most recent quarterly results, released for the third quarter of 2025, showed earnings per share of $0.83—an $0.17 beat over the consensus estimate of $0.66. Net earnings rose to $124.6 million, up from $95.0 million in the same quarter a year earlier, while operating earnings climbed to $77.0 million from $60.4 million. The company’s combined ratio improved to 85.1 from 89.6, driven by a benign hurricane season, and net investment income increased by 12% year‑over‑year.
Segment‑level data reveal that the property line experienced an 11% decline in gross premiums but maintained a strong 60 combined ratio, indicating effective loss control. The casualty segment grew 8% in gross premiums and posted a 98 combined ratio, while the surety line held a 85 combined ratio. These results illustrate how RLI’s diversified portfolio mitigated the impact of a weaker property market and helped lift overall profitability.
CEO Craig Kliethermes praised Bryant’s “insight, integrity and steady leadership” and highlighted Diefenthaler’s “exceptional leadership and deep understanding of our business” as key to advancing RLI’s financial strategy. The succession plan, coupled with the company’s solid earnings performance, positions RLI to maintain its disciplined financial approach and pursue growth opportunities in its niche insurance markets.
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