Who was chairman of the board of Allstate in 1957?
Mr. Branch, a graduate of the University of Michigan, was with Allstate for 38 years, starting in 1934. He was one of the company’s first agents, and in later years he helped revamp the business by establishing over-the-counter sales at Sears Roebuck & Company stores. He was elected president and chief executive officer in 1957 and directed the company’s growth through diversification from auto and fire insurance into life, homeowner, commercial and other lines. He was named chairman in 1966.
