US based diversified financial firm, mainly active in insurance arena, Oswald Companies has appointed Robert (Bob) J Klonk as its chairman and chief executive officer, effective from 1 January 2013.

J Klonk will succeed current chairman and chief executive Marc S Byrnes, the firm said.

After stepping down as chairman and chief executive officer on the stipulated time, Byrnes will remain active full time, as chairman of the board, and advisor to the executive team.

Commenting on the new appointment, Byrnes said, "This is a well-planned transition that puts a highly qualified, tested and trusted team in place to lead Oswald Companies into the next era."

Having over 30 years of experience, Klonk serves on the Board of Assurex Global and the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers (CIAB) in Washington, DC.

Klonk said, "Under Marc’s leadership, Oswald is now one of the largest independent, employee-owned insurance brokerage and consulting firms in the country and his commitment to internal perpetuation has been instilled in Dave Jacobs, Joe DuBois and me. We will remain employee-owned and client-focused."

Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, US, Oswald Companies offers value-added product and global service in risk management, property and casualty insurance, employee and executive benefits, life insurance and retirement plans from offices in Akron, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Detroit and Tampa.