IRVINE, Calif.—Tom Crawford, former chairman and CEO of Crawford & Co., has been named the new chairman of Irvine, Calif.-based online wholesaler Superior Access Insurance Services Inc.

Mr. Crawford, who stepped down as chairman of the Atlanta-based claims management firm Dec. 31, joined SIAS’ board on Jan. 1, SIAS said Tuesday.

He stepped down as Crawford’s CEO at the end of 2007. Prior to joining Crawford in 2004, he was president of Prudential Insurance Co. of America’s retail distribution division and chairman of its property/casualty division.

Mr. Crawford will replace Lawrence Lenihan as chairman.

Mr. Crawford is not related to the Crawford family that founded the claims management firm in 1941.

“This is an exciting moment for Superior Access and we are thrilled that one of the premier insurance industry veterans is bringing his experience and extensive industry knowledge to our board of directors,” Richard L. McCathron, president and CEO of SAIS, said in a statement.