XL aims for 'nimble' business with restructure of International casualty unit

XL Group has restructured its International Primary Casualty business into four teams to be more nimble.

In the new structure, International Primary Casualty, which serves large corporations in Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America, is split into four teams built around underwriting tasks and account type to underscore a true client focus, allowing the unit to better respond to the needs of clients and brokers.

Thomas Stamm, chief underwriting officer for the division, said: "We've seen that globalisation and changing legislation pose increasing and similar risks to many of our clients.

"Some of these risks are particularly complex due to the nature of the client's business or the projects they participate in.

"Our new structure lets us be even more nimble and innovative. By working closer together with our clients and brokers it's now easier for us to find answers to their needs. To do this we bring together experts with a true entrepreneurial spirit and the best skill set to lead our new teams."

The four teams are: Underwriting Large Corporates, Underwriting Complex Accounts, Underwriting Environmental Liability and Underwriting Management.

Underwriting Large Corporates will be led by Reto Arrigoni, who moves to XL Group from Zurich. With over 20 years international experience in casualty underwriting and management roles, Arrigoni will look after most of the International Primary Casualty existing clients and also seek profitable growth through new products and cross-selling.

Underwriting Complex Accounts is led by Joachim Walch, who has 25 years' industry experience, 15 of which have been with XL Group. Walsh is charged with developing new client and broker relationships, listening to and working with them to create products that best fit their needs.

Simon White will head up Underwriting Environmental Liability. He was one of the first underwriters to provide exclusive environmental cover in the London market 15 years ago.

Underwriting Management will be led by Michael Rüsch, who has extensive casualty underwriting and underwriting services experience, is responsible for a multi-faceted group that contributes to the strategy, manages existing products and new product development, and runs the numbers that back up business decisions.

Stamm added: "As we seek profitable growth through product innovation and geographic expansion, I am convinced and delighted that this new structure will let us get closer to clients and the market. To better respond to their needs."