Hapworth Named American Equity Underwriters CEO

Mobile-based The American Equity Underwriters Inc. has named Adele Hapworth its new CEO, effective June 1, Business Alabama reported. Hapworth succeeds Michael Lapeyrouse, who is assuming the role of chairman. The firm is a provider of workers’ compensation insurance for waterfront employees and is program administrator for the American Longshore Mutual Association Ltd. (ALMA). Hapworth joined it in 2007 and has served in several leadership roles, including executive vice president and chief operating officer. Lapeyrouse has served as president and CEO of AEU since its inception in 1993 and founded ALMA in 1997. Under his leadership, the company has grown to serve more than 1,400 waterfront employers. As chairman, he will continue to work closely with the American Equity Underwriters executive leadership team and remains president of ALMA and a member of ALMA’s board of directors.