Neil H. Ashley plans to retire July...

Neil H. Ashley plans to retire July 1 as president and chief operating officer of 20th Century Industries, the Woodland Hills holding company for 20th Century Insurance Co.

Ashley, who also is a lawyer, will work part time for a Tucson law firm and remain a 20th Century director after he retires. His successor at 20th Century, which specializes in auto and real estate insurance, has not yet been chosen.

Ashley, who turns 66 next month, has been president of 20th Century since 1986. He joined the company as group vice president and general counsel in 1983, and previously spent 27 years at Allstate Insurance Co., now a unit of Sears, Roebuck & Co.