"We know Sam well from his work with us, and he brings a unique blend of skills and experience to The St Paul, given his background as both an accomplished investment banker and highly regarded securities analyst across the full breadth of the financial services arena," said Jay Fishman, chairman and chief executive officer.

Liss had been a Managing Director at Credit Suisse First Boston from 1994 to 2001, serving in a senior investment banking relationship, advisory and execution role in CSFB's Financial Institutions Group, including leadership of its asset management industry practice. Prior to 1999, he was a top ranked analyst covering the finance, brokerage, asset management and insurance sectors. Liss was a senior analyst at Salomon Brothers from 1980 to 1994.

Liss earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Wesleyan University, pursued graduate studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and received his Masters of Business Administration degree from New York University.

The St. Paul Companies, headquartered in Saint Paul, Minn., USA, provides commercial property-liability insurance and asset management services. The St. Paul reported 2002 revenues from continuing operations of $8.9 billion, total assets of $39.9 billion and total capital of $9.3 billion. For more information about The St. Paul ands its products and services, visit the company's web site, www.stpaul.com.

CONTACT: The St. Paul Companies, Saint Paul Media Contact: Mark Hamel, 651/310-3588 E-mail: mark.hamel@stpaul.com or Investor Contact: Laura Gagnon, 651/310-7696 E-mail: laura.gagnon@stpaul.com