SINGAPORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ACE Group, one of the world’s largest multi-line property and casualty insurers, announced today the changes in country leadership for its operations in Australia/New Zealand and Hong Kong:
Australia & New Zealand: Mr. John French, currently Country President of Hong Kong, Taiwan & Macau takes over from incumbent Mr. Giles Ward, who will become the Regional President of Eurasia & Africa, a new business region for ACE, effective 15 April. Mr. French, as the new Country President for Australia & New Zealand, has a distinguished career with ACE which spans more than 16 years. He began as the New South Wales Business Development Manager in the late nineties and his talent was quickly recognized leading to his posting to Singapore as the Country President in 2003. Thereafter, he led the Thailand operation in 2005, one of the most dynamic operations in the region. Since taking over the helm in Hong Kong in 2007, Mr. French has achieved profitable growth in a highly competitive market.
Hong Kong: Assuming the role of the new Country President for Hong Kong, Taiwan & Macau, subject to regulatory approval, is Mr. Douglas White. Mr. White is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience in the insurance industry. He began his career in the late eighties as an Assistant Underwriter with Royal Reinsurance in London handling facultative Construction and Erection All Risks businesses and claims. He then joined Cunningham Lindsey, one of the largest loss adjusting and claim management companies in the world, and was relocated to Hong Kong in 1992 to handle the infrastructure projects associated with the construction of the Chep Lap Kok Airport and other projects throughout Asia. During his employment with Cunningham Lindsey, he worked with Gibbs Insurance Consultants, subsequently renamed HSBC Insurance Brokers, and joined them in 1995. There, he moved to roles of increasing responsibility, becoming the CEO for Asia Pacific in 2006, prior to the sale of the business to Marsh. In 2010, Mr. White moved to Jardine Lloyd Thompson as the Managing Director with responsibilities for China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.
Juan Luis Ortega, Regional President for ACE in Asia Pacific said, “The new appointments for Giles, John and Douglas demonstrate our depth of talent and ability to attract new talent to ACE. Giles’ stints in Asia Pacific and the Middle East will hold him in good stead as he heads the new emerging region of Eurasia & Africa while John’s proven leadership will help him steer the Australia & New Zealand operations to new heights of growth. Albeit new to ACE, with Doug’s breadth of industry experience, I am confident he will bring fresh insights to enhance our growth opportunities in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.”
ABOUT ACE
ACE Group is one of the world’s largest multiline property and casualty insurers. With operations in 54 countries, ACE provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. ACE Limited, the parent company of ACE Group, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE:ACE) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Additional information can be found at: www.acegroup.com.
ACE Group is a registered trademark of ACE Limited.