(AP) Longtime Progressive CEO Peter Lewis dies at 80
MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio
Progressive insurance chairman and longtime chief executive Peter Lewis has died. He was 80.
Philanthropic adviser Jennifer Frutchy says the billionaire supporter of medical marijuana legalization died Saturday at his home in Coconut Grove, Fla.
Lewis became CEO of Progressive Corp. at its inception in 1965. When he stepped down in 2000 it had grown into one of the largest auto insurers in the country.
Progressive President and CEO Glenn Renwick says the company owes its growth and its culture of openness to Lewis. He says Lewis’ caring and honesty are “bedrock” values of the company.
Lewis became a supporter of marijuana legalization after using it following a leg amputation. He also served as the chairman of the Guggenheim Museum board of trustees before stepping down in 2005.