* James O. Curley, 49, was named...

* James O. Curley, 49, was named president and chief operating officer of 20th Century Industries, indicating that the Woodland Hills-based insurer has finally found a long-term successor to Louis W. Foster, 20th Century’s 78-year-old founder, chairman and chief executive. Curley had been 20th Century’s chief financial officer since December, 1989, and previously was the company’s chief actuary and a senior vice president. He joined the company, which specializes in auto and home insurance, in 1987 after holding actuarial positions at Coopers & Lybrand and Transamerica Corp. Curley succeeded as president Melville P. Windle, 65, who retired this month.