WCF Insurance Announces Retirement of Ray Pickup and Appointment of New CEO, Matt Lyon

Salt Lake City, UT (WorkersCompensation.com) - WCF Insurance announced today that chief executive officer, Ray Pickup, plans to retire on April 30,222. WCF’s board of directors has appointed Matt Lyon to succeed Mr. Pickup. Mr. Lyon, who was promoted to president in January 2021, will retain the title of president as he assumes the position of chief executive officer.

Mr. Pickup has held the role of chief executive officer since 2008 and been with the company in an executive role since 1993. He will remain on the WCF Mutual board of directors after retirement.

“On behalf of the board of directors, management team, and WCF’s 500 plus employees, we want to thank Ray for his strategic leadership and commitment to excellence,” said Mr. Lyon.  “During his tenure, WCF has expanded from offering only workers’ compensation insurance to becoming a multi-line carrier. We have also grown our presence across the West and are on the path to becoming a super-regional carrier.” 

Mr. Lyon’s succession is the culmination of a multi-year leadership-development and succession-planning process. Before his time at WCF, Mr. Lyon worked as head of commercial insurance product management at Farmers Insurance Group of Companies in Los Angeles. He has broad experience in the insurance industry, successfully serving in product management, operations, and strategy roles at Nationwide Insurance and The Hartford Insurance Group, among others. Matt received his BS in economics from the University of Utah and his MBA from DePaul University.

“Matt is the right choice to lead WCF through its next phase of continued growth,” said Mr. Pickup. “His appointment as CEO is the culmination of a thoughtful and planned transition. We know he will successfully guide WCF through the next chapter of progress.”

Mr. Lyon stated: “I am honored to be the next CEO of WCF Insurance and grateful for the confidence that both Ray and the board have placed in me. I am excited to lead WCF during this pivotal time of growth.”

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