CNA Financial reports that Andy Hall will be appointed president and chief operating officer of CNA’s Canadian operations effective Jan. 1, 2008.

Hall will succeed Chuck Lawrence who has led CNA Canada since 1997 and recently announced his upcoming retirement.

Hall, who currently serves as vice president for CNA’s Denver branch, has more than 25 years of experience, including serving as vp of the Western Region for CNA Canada. He also holds the Associate of Insurance Institute of Canada (AIIC) designation.

“Andy’s track record for achieving solid results in Denver and Canada makes us confident in his ability to achieve our growth initiatives as well as build upon the outstanding work of Chuck and his team,” says Peter Wilson, executive vp, CNA Global Specialty Lines. “Also, I want to thank Chuck for his many contributions toward the tremendous success of CNA Canada.”

CNA is Canada’s seventh largest commercial insurance writer and the 13th largest property and casualty company.