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Cecil Y. Ray Jr., chairman of Fort Worth-based The Rigg Group, announced that Stephen B. Smith has joined Wm. Rigg Co. as president of the multiple-line independent insurance agency. He will be based in the Dallas office of Wm. Rigg, which also has offices in Fort Worth and Houston.

Wm. Rigg offers commercial and personal property and casualty insurance and employee benefits to a wide range of businesses, industries, and individuals. The company was founded in Fort Worth in 1895 and ranks among the largest U.S. independent agencies.

“Steve Smith is a seasoned insurance executive with over nineteen years experience in the industry,” Ray said. “His extensive commercial brokerage knowledge will greatly enhance our operations going forward.”

At Rigg, he will oversee operations at all three offices and have wide-ranging responsibilities, including mergers and acquisitions, risk management, marketing and advertising, and training and development programs.

“It is indeed a privilege to lead such a venerable organization,” Smith said. “The future holds many opportunities for success in our rapidly changing industry.

“We are well positioned to grow with a deep pool of talented professionals serving key industry groups,” Smith continued. “My commitment is to continue the Wm. Rigg Co.’s tradition of service that exceeds expectations.”

Before joining Wm. Rigg, Smith was senior vice president and partner of Noel Greaves Inc for eight years. There, he directed the Management Liability Practice Group, establishing a national reputation for directors and officers and professional liability consulting services. Following the acquisition of Noel Greaves by Summit Global Partners Inc. (SGP) in 1997, Smith served as president and CEO of Summit Global Partners of Texas Inc. for four years.

At SGP, Smith was responsible for all aspects of the $60 million commercial operation as well as the management of all International Risk Management programs, where he served as director of the Worldwide Broker Network. He also initiated and completed the consolidation of five insurance agencies to create SGP, in Houston.