Governor Nikki Haley appointed Ray Farmer as the new director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance, citing his private sector experience as the key factor in her decision. Farmer will take over as interim director, pending his confirmation by the senate.
Farmer worked for 33 years for the American Insurance Association (AIA), a property and casualty association as the Southeast region vice president.
He has specialised in property and casualty but "understands there is a captive audience out there that he is ready to help," said a statement from the department.
Prior to his AIA appointment, Farmer worked for the Georgia Insurance Department.