MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio (AP) — Peter Lewis, who shepherded Progressive Corp. from a small-time operation to one of the largest auto insurers in the country and later became the billionaire backer of marijuana legalization, died Saturday. He was 80.
Philanthropic adviser Jennifer Frutchy said Lewis died at his home in Coconut Grove, Fla.
Progressive President and CEO Glenn Renwick said the company owes its growth and its culture of openness to Lewis. He said Lewis' caring and honesty are "bedrock" values of the company.
"The history of Progressive is very much the history that Peter Lewis laid down," Renwick said. A willingness to take risks and constantly learn and grow are principles that can be traced to Lewis, he added.
"He really was a special person, there's no doubt about that," Renwick said.