Joanne Hobbs has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Head of Claims at Merchants Insurance Group’s corporate headquarters in downtown Buffalo, New York, effective December 9, 2024.
Ms. Hobbs joined Merchants in 2020 as Litigation Manager and quickly advanced within the company’s claims leadership. She was promoted to Senior Litigation Manager and Corporate Casualty Manager in 2023; then, she became Senior Corporate Casualty Claim Manager in 2024. Most recently, she served as Interim Head of Claims.
“Joanne Hobbs has shown tremendous leadership, initiative, and expertise in her five years with Merchants, embracing new opportunities with enthusiasm,” said Charles E. Makey, III, President and Chief Executive Officer of Merchants Insurance Group. “I am confident she has the experience and strategic vision to propel our claims team to new heights.”
Ms. Hobbs has over twenty years of industry experience specializing in claims. She began her insurance career with USAA, then worked at Motorists Insurance Group. Prior to joining Merchants, Ms. Hobbs worked at Westfield Insurance.
Under her new title of Assistant Vice President, Head of Claims, Ms. Hobbs will oversee all claims operations.
“I am very excited about the opportunity to lead the claims department, along with the responsibilities and challenges that come with it,” said Ms. Hobbs. “I am thrilled to continue my career with Merchants as it is a wonderful company with a talented group of colleagues.”
Ms. Hobbs holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in Organizational Leadership from Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio. She earned her Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from St. Bonaventure University in 2024.
While Ms. Hobbs currently resides in New York, she has also lived in North Dakota, Missouri, Texas, and Ohio. She enjoys skiing, reading, physical fitness, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills.
