19 NOVEMBER 2004:  Westfield Group appoints director of internal audit  |  Shibu Joykutty has been named director of internal audit at Westfield Group, assuming responsibility for the short- and long-range development, planning and implementation of a comprehensive, independent, internal audit function, helping Westfield achieve its objectives.

Joykutty held various internal audit positions before joining Westfield in August 2002. Most recently, he served as the technology risk and assurance director and was charged with evaluating the technology risks of the organization.

Joykutty holds a masters degree in operations research and computer applications from Cochin University of Science and Technology as well as a master’s degree in quantitative business analysis from Louisiana State University. He is a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, Information Systems Auditing and Controls Association, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, and Insurance Internal Auditors Group. Joykutty is a resident of Brecksville, Ohio and attends Cuyahoga Valley Community Church.

In business for more than 156 years, Westfield Insurance, a member of Westfield Group, provides commercial and personal insurance and surety services to customers in 26 states, marketing its products through more than 1,200 leading independent insurance agencies. Westfield Group provides banking through Westfield BankSM and agency support through Westfield Services, Inc. Westfield Group recently received the 2004 Pillar Award for Community Service and for the past two years, Ohio Business magazine has named Westfield Group one of the top 200 companies in the state.