June 4, 2009


To Our Stakeholders:

We have recently made some important decisions about the future of The Hartford, setting the company on a strategic course to build value for our shareholders. Going forward, we will return to our historical strengths as a U.S.-centric, insurance-based company that will operate both property casualty and life businesses. We will focus on three key areas of growth:

• protecting individuals and families;

• protecting businesses and their employees; and

• managing wealth and retirement.

While this is likely to be a slow economic recovery, I am very optimistic about the opportunities ahead of us. With our strategy in place, it’s the right time for me to make my plans for retirement. As such, The Hartford’s Board of Directors is starting an active search for my successor – a search to find the right leader to drive this organization forward into its third century.

I want to assure you that I am fully committed to The Hartford and doing whatever it takes to lead this organization. Although it’s my plan to retire by year’s end, I will stay on until a successor is in place.

It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve at The Hartford and lead this venerable, trusted organization. For nearly 36 years, I have been honored to call The Hartford my home and I am proud of the culture of integrity, trust and service that is woven into the fabric of this outstanding organization. It has been a great honor to work with so many outstanding individuals and I want to thank you for your continued support and partnership.


Best regards,

Ramani Ayer
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

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