John S. Roberts was named president and CEO of Assurant Employee Benefits, roles he had assumed on an interim basis since July 2007, when several executives were placed on administrative leave over a Security and Exchange Commission investigation.

Roberts’ promotion was one of several corporate position changes announced by Assurant, Inc., the New York-based specialized insurance and insurance product company, which is parent to Assurant Employee Benefits.

“John is a seasoned executive who is highly respected in the employee benefits marketplace. With more than 25 years of experience in the disability, dental, life and special risk businesses, his leadership has earned him the respect of his peers, both at Assurant and industry-wide,” said Robert B. Pollock, president and CEO of the parent company.

In other moves, Michael J. Peninger, interim chief financial officer, will become executive vice president and chief financial officer. He will succeed P. Bruce Camacho, whose request to resign as CFO to pursue other opportunities was approved by Assurant’s board of directors.

Camacho also agreed to assist Assurant as a consultant for a 12-month transition period, starting March 16, the day after the change becomes effective.

Peninger has served as Assurant’s interim CFO since July 18, 2007. Previously, he had been president and chief executive officer of Assurant Employee Benefits, beginning in January 1999.

“Mike has demonstrated that he can operate effectively both in leading a business line as well as serving in corporate staff positions during his 23-year career at Assurant. Mike has had broad exposure to our specialty insurance businesses which, combined with his financial expertise, makes him the ideal candidate to lead Assurant’s financial operations,” said Pollock.

Peninger was named interim CFO of Assurant after Camacho was placed on administrative leave by the company’s board after he had received a “Wells Notice” – a notice of enforcement proceedings – from the U.S. Securities and Exchange in connection with an ongoing industry investigation of certain loss-mitigation insurance products, the company said.

On July 17, 2007, Pollock, Camacho and Adam Lamnin, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Assurant Solutions / Assurant Specialty Property, each received a “Wells Notice” and were placed on administrative leave by Assurant’s board. Pollock was reinstated Jan. 28, 2008.

Lamnin will be returning to work with the company reporting to Mr. Pollock and, initially, assisting with a variety of strategic projects, the company said. These developments do not imply any conclusion concerning the outcome of the SEC investigation, which Assurant officials say they believe focuses on a catastrophe reinsurance contract between the company and one reinsurer that commenced over a decade ago and expired in 2004.
The SEC staff’s inquiry continues, and Assurant continues to cooperate fully, the company said.