John M. Hashimoto has been named UH director of risk management. He begins his position Monday and is responsible for the overall leadership and direction of risk management functions for the university system, encompassing all 10 campuses.

Hashimoto will be responsible for monitoring and preventing the university's exposure to potential losses or damage to physical assets, fidelity losses, liability and workers compensation claims.

As part of this effort, he will review contracts and agreements from the standpoint of responsibility relative to insurance and liability coverage. He will also oversee UH dealings with insurance companies and third-party administrators and private counsel.

Hashimoto, a licensed attorney since 1991, has held positions with the City and County of Honolulu as a deputy prosecuting attorney and deputy corporation counsel.

Since 1998, he has served as claim attorney and team manager at State Farm Insurance. He is a graduate of the University of Oregon, with JD and BS degrees, and Punahou School.