Allstate - You're in good hands

10/07/2008 Northbrook, IL -

Allstate Insurance Company announced it has promoted Joseph J. Richardson Jr. to senior vice president, Protection Distribution. Richardson reports to George Ruebenson, President of Allstate Protection, and has also become a member of Allstate's Senior Management Team.

In his new role, Richardson is responsible for Allstate's multi-access distribution platform of exclusive agencies, independent agencies and direct sales. Richardson will help drive Allstate's strategic vision to reinvent protection and retirement through a focus on delivering innovative products in ways that best reflect the needs of the consumers.

"Joe's deep experience across the enterprise and his strong performance co-leading our field operations make him ideal to head Protection Distribution," said Thomas J. Wilson, chairman, president and CEO of The Allstate Corporation. "We have great opportunities to drive profitable growth through multiple touch points with the consumer, and Joe will help to ensure that happens."

Richardson joined Allstate in 1977 and has held key leadership roles within Allstate's Distribution, Claims and Underwriting organizations. Most recently, he was vice president, Eastern Market Operating Committee, where he co-led the entire field operation across fourteen regions nationwide. He also held positions of chief executive officer, Allstate Floridian, chairman, Allstate New Jersey and he is currently a board member of the Allstate Bank and Allstate's Political Action Committee.

"Joe brings a diverse set of skills to his new role and is a proven leader at developing strategy and achieving results," said George Ruebenson, President of Allstate Protection. "Joe will certainly help our organization maintain our commitment to operational excellence while accelerating our consumer focus and innovation."

"I'm thrilled to take this role and to help accelerate our strategy to reinvent protection and retirement for consumers," said Richardson. "It is also gratifying to have built a career at Allstate, which provides so many individuals opportunities for long-term growth and professional challenges."

A Pennsylvania native, Richardson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Temple University He is an active contributor and volunteer in the communities where he has worked and lived, including being a board member and treasurer for the National Adoption Center in Philadelphia.

For additional information about Allstate Insurance Company, visit www.allstate.com.

The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer. Widely known through the "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®" slogan, Allstate helps individuals in approximately 17 million households protect what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow through approximately 14,900 exclusive agencies and financial representatives in the U.S. and Canada. Customers can access Allstate products and services such as auto insurance and homeowners insurance through Allstate agencies, or in select states at Allstate.com and 1-800 Allstate®. Encompass® and Deerbrook® Insurance brand property and casualty products are sold exclusively through independent agents. The Allstate Financial Group provides life insurance, supplemental accident and health insurance, annuity, banking and retirement products designed for individual, institutional and worksite customers that are distributed through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, financial institutions and broker-dealers.

Contact:

David Steck
(847) 402-5600