Travelers Cos. Chief Executive Officer Jay Fishman has been diagnosed with a neuromuscular condition and may soon need to walk with a cane, according to a letter released by the insurer last week.
The 62-year-old Fishman revealed his condition to employees without mentioning specifics, instead emphasizing his ability to continue filling his current role with the company.
“While fortunately it has so far been slow progressing, you may soon see me with a cane or other gear to help me get around,” Fishman wrote. “Nothing about this circumstance changes my ability or plan to continue as chairman and CEO.”
Fishman said he initially believed he was suffering from a back ailment before the recent diagnosis. However, he stressed that he “feel[s] good” despite his condition.
Neuromuscular disease encompasses conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis to Lou Gehrig’s disease or Parkinson’s Disease. Most conditions are progressive and have no cure, noted a Bloomberg report.
Travelers is the only property/casualty insurer in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Fishman successfully navigated the company through the financial crisis by avoiding the mortgage-related investments that tripped up other insurers.
The full letter reads:
"I am writing to let you know that what I thought for a long time was a back problem has been diagnosed as a neuromuscular condition. I feel good and, with the full support of our Board of Directors, nothing about this circumstance changes my ability or plan to continue as Chairman and CEO. I remain fully engaged and committed."
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