Johnston Officials React to FM Relocating Headquarters to Providence

“I had asked them in the past if there was any intent to leave, they said no,” said Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena Jr., capturing the surprise that rippled through local government after FM announced plans to relocate its global headquarters.

The insurance company, which specializes in loss prevention for large businesses, confirmed that moving its headquarters from Johnston to Providence will eliminate a limited number of positions, WJAR reported on Friday. The transition is expected to begin after renovations are completed in late 2027 at 10 Memorial Boulevard in Providence.

Rather than moving to the capital city, some Johnston employees will relocate to offices in Boston, West Glocester, and Norwood. Brian Amaral, FM’s strategic communications lead, said FM informed colleagues whose roles specifically support the Johnston building that the move could impact their positions.

FM expects limited job cuts as headquarters move from Johnston to Providence — NBC 10 WJAR

“This week we informed some colleagues whose roles specifically support our Johnston building that the move could impact their positions,” said Brian Amaral, FM’s strategic communications lead.

Local leaders expressed frustration over the sudden announcement. Polisena said that he had received direct messages assuring him that previous corporate changes represented an expansion rather than a relocation, leaving him and the town blindsided.

FM moving global headquarters to Providence — WPRI

Council members also raised concerns about transparency. Councilwoman Lauren Garzone, who represents District 2 where the campus is located, recalled late-evening meetings to approve construction plans and expressed disappointment that local officials were kept in the dark.

“I am particularly disappointed that local government officials were not notified of the decision,” Garzone said. “I feel the lack of information does not provide the transparency we the residents of Johnston deserve.”

Insurer FM will move HQ to Providence tower, close Johnston office — WPRI

Other municipal officials are already looking ahead to the future of the sprawling site. Councilman Al Carnevale emphasized that FM still owns the 93-acre Johnston campus and expressed hope for cooperative planning to protect the town’s jobs, economic interests, and tax base.

“FM still owns the 93-acre Johnston campus, and I hope we can work cooperatively with the company on its future plans while protecting Johnston’s jobs, economic interests and tax base,” Carnevale told WJAR.

FM purchased the 10-story Providence property months ago from IGT, intending to occupy a portion of the building while retaining its existing tenants. Company representatives maintain that the move shows a commitment to Rhode Island, home for nearly 200 years.

“Rhode Island has always been our home, and establishing our global headquarters in Downtown Providence ensures the state remains central to FM’s future,” Amaral said.