CNA International Appoints Charles R. LawrencePresident of its Canadian Operations.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 1997--CNA International, a division of CNA, has announced the appointment of Charles R. Lawrence as president and chief operating officer of its Canadian operations. Based in Toronto, Lawrence will provide executive leadership as CNA moves toward growth and

"I am so pleased that Chuck has accepted this position," said Robert T. Van Gieson, president and chief executive officer of CNA International. "His knowledge, understanding and familiarity with the Canadian marketplace will give CNA a significant advantage in its ability to respond with unique products to the individual needs of our Canadian customers."

Lawrence's insurance career spans over 28 years in his native Canada. For the past 13 years, he has worked with the Chubb Insurance Co. of Canada. At Chubb, Lawrence held key management roles in areas such as sales and marketing, product development, and human resources. Prior to that, he held various positions with The Personal Insurance Company of Canada, primarily in the sales and marketing of group insurance and insurance software systems.

Lawrence is a graduate of Mount Allison University in New Brunswick and holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree.

CNA, headquartered in Chicago, is one of the world's premier insurance organizations, ranking among the top 10 U.S. insurance groups. In 1997, CNA observes its centennial year, celebrating a century of financial strength, stability and commitment to customers and business partners. CNA is a registered service mark and trade name of CNA Financial Corp.

CONTACT: CNA

Dana O. Berkowitz, 312/822-6936

dana.berkowitz@cna.com