ATLANTA–Crawford & Co. promoted Jeffrey T. Bowman, who has been closely involved in the company’s international expansion, as president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1.

Mr. Bowman, who previously was chief operating officer of Crawford’s Global Property & Casualty unit, succeeds Thomas W. Crawford, who was named CEO in September 2004 and will assume the role of chairman of the board for the Atlanta-based claims management services provider. Jesse Crawford, current chairman, will step down from that role at that time but will continue to lead the board’s executive committee.

Mr. Bowman joined Crawford in 1990, when it acquired The Graham Miller Group, a U.K. claims manager, for which he was a part-owner and financial director. From 1990 to 1994, he served as London-based financial director of Crawford’s operations outside the United States. In 1995, he relocated to Atlanta as vice president of international finance and subsequently served as regional managing director of the Americas region. In 2001, he was named president of Crawford’s international operations, a position held until year-end 2005, when he assumed his current title.

Crawford & Co. has more than 700 offices in 63 countries.