Erie Insurance veteran Rob Smith has been named branch manager at the insurer's Columbus, Ohio branch beginning October 18.

Smith joined ERIE as a district sales manager in the Canton area in 1999. In 2007, he transferred to the Columbus sales team. He also served as the lead representative between ERIE and Maria's Message, which brings the safe driving message to more than 80,000 high school students.

Smith earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from The Ohio State University and holds the Certified Insurance Counselor designation.

Erie Insurance Group According to A.M. Best Company, Erie Insurance Group, based in Erie, Pennsylvania, is the 9th largest homeowners insurer and 11th largest automobile insurer in the United States based on direct premiums written and the 16th largest property/casualty insurer in the United States based on total lines net premium written. The Group, rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company, has more than 5 million policies in force and operates in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Erie Insurance Group is a FORTUNE 500 company.

News releases and more information about Erie Insurance Group are available at www.erieinsurance.com.