Unico American Corp. appointed David Lawless senior vice president and chief administrative officer, effective Jan. 8.

Lawless was chief administrative officer and executive vice president of Magna Carta Cos. Inc.

The company also named Ronald Closser an independent director to its board, effective on the same date. Closser replaces Andrew Furgatch, who is Lawless' brother-in-law. Furgatch no longer meets Nasdaq's listing standards for an independent director due to Lawless' appointment.