The man who was hailed by Gov. Nikki Haley as a highly-qualified and business-friendly insurance director just 11 months ago resigned his post on Wednesday. 

David Black, 54, unexpectedly quit Wednesday, as reported by The State newspaper. Rob Godfrey, spokesman for Haley, confirmed the resignation, but did not say why Black had left.

"Governor Haley is grateful for David Black's service to our state and to the agency," Godfrey said. "As director, Mr. Black led insurance through the transition to a new administration and sought to make it a customer-friendly, pro-business agency. The governor wishes him well."

Godfrey did not respond to Patch's inquiries as to whether or not the governor's office had expected the resignation, which is effective immediately. 

Gwen Fuller McGriff, who most recently served the department as director of financial services and general counsel, has been named acting director.  

Prior to being named the director of the South Carolina Department of Insurance in January of 2011, Black served six years as president and CEO of Liberty Life Insurance Company in Greenville, and also served on RBC’s Corporate Governance Committee overseeing insurance, capital markets, banking and wealth management in the United States. 

Black earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Clemson University and a law degree from the University of South Carolina.

Black was unreachable on Thursday for comment.