Robert M. Devlin

Robert Michael Devlin (born February 28, 1941) is an American businessman, investor, and philanthropist who was chairman, president, and CEO of the American General Corporation from 1996 to 2001. During his tenure, the company grew into one of the largest life insurance and financial services companies in the United States before its acquisition by AIG in 2001. Devlin currently sits on the board of directors of several major corporations, including: Cooper Industries, LKQ Corporation, Discover Financial, and ConocoPhillips.

Appointed by General Colin Powell in 1998, Devlin served as a member of the board of directors of America's Promise for over ten years.

Early life and education Devlin was born on February 28, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, to Norma Hall Devlin and John M. Devlin.

Career Devlin began his career in the life insurance industry after graduating from college in 1964. Working with the Mutual of New York, he joined the American General Insurance Company in 1977; he worked from Nashville, Tennessee. By 1995, he was named president and CEO of the corporation, and became chairman of the board in 1996, succeeding Harold S. Hook. The year Devlin became CEO, American General acquired Home Beneficial. The following year, American General acquired USLife Corp, making American General the "third largest" insurance company in the United States. During his tenure, American General grew from $43 billion in assets and a market capitalization of $7 billion to $123 billion in assets and a market capitalization of $24 billion. In 1999, Devlin received a $38 million salary. In August 2001, American General Corporation was acquired by American International Group (AIG) for approximately $23 billion. Devlin briefly stayed on to oversee the transition as CEO of American General under AIG before stepping down. He continued to serve as deputy chairman of Prudential plc.

Following his departure from American General, Devlin co-founded Curragh Capital Partners in October 2001, a New York City-based investment firm. He also joined the financial advisory and asset management firm Lazard as a senior advisor. In February 2004, Devlin led the Devlin Group, an investment firm organized with W. R. Berkley and Rodney A. Hawes Jr., in an agreement to acquire Forethought Financial Services from Hillenbrand Industries for approximately $280 million. At the time of acquisition, Forethought was the leading provider of pre-need insurance and trust services in the United States, managing over $3 billion in assets.

Philanthropy In addition to his business career, Devlin has served on the board of directors of numerous nonprofit organizations. He has served on the board of directors of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the Holocaust Museum Houston, and the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation. He also serves on the executive board of the American Irish Historical Society, previously serving as co-chair alongside actor Liam Neeson. He serves as a trustee of his alma mater, Tulane University, and was a trustee of Boston College from 2002 to 2010.

Awards List of honors and awards of Robert M. Devlin: Ellis Island Medal of Honor — Awarded for business achievements and leadership. American Irish Historical Society Gold Medal Torch of Liberty Award by the Anti-Defamation League Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation Hall of Fame Tulane University Lifetime Alumni Achievement Award

Personal life Devlin is Catholic.