New York-based Fortune 500 specialty insurance provider Assurant has appointed Sylvia Wagner as the new executive vice president of human resources and development, effective April 1, 2009.

Ms Wagner succeeds Lesley Silvester, who retires on July 1, 2009. During the next three months, Ms Silvester and Ms Wagner will work together to transition their duties at Assurant.

In addition to assuming overall responsibility for Assurant's human resources function, Ms Wagner joins the company's management committee.

With more than 34 years in human resources and communications, Ms Wagner currently serves as senior vice president of human resources and development at Assurant Employee Benefits in Kansas City, Mo., a post held since 1995.

Additionally, Ms Wagner serves on the board of trustees for the University of South Dakota Foundation.