The State Auto Insurance Companies, a US-based property and casualty insurer, has promoted Cynthia Powell as its new chief risk officer.

Powell, who will report to State Auto president, chairman and CEO Bob Restrepo, will promote corporate innovation, implement enterprise risk management strategies and align all financial, technology and human resource capabilities to achieve strategic goals.

Restrepo said Powell is exceptionally well qualified for the important new role.

”She has the financial and technical skills, institutional knowledge and credibility and the passion to do what’s right for State Auto. Her leadership, energy and exceptional critical thinking and communication abilities will help us achieve a greater level of operating performance,” Restrepo added.

Powell, who currently serves as State Auto’s treasurer and chief accounting officer, joined the company in 1990, and was promoted to the position of vice president and comptroller in 2000.

She also served as certified public accountant with a predecessor to KPMG for three years, prior to joining State Auto.