People News & Moves

New International Business Lead For Argo Group

NASDAQ-listed Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd., a global underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance products, today announced the appointment of Jose A. Hernandez to head up the company’s international business, which includes all insurance and reinsurance operations outside of the United States. Hernandez’s start date is effective October 3.

“Argo Group has arrived at a critical point in its growth as a global specialty insurance business,” Mark E. Watson III, CEO of Argo Group said in a statement. “We’ve established a solid Bermuda platform, a thriving Syndicate at Lloyd’s and gained local presence in key European, South American, Middle Eastern and Asian markets. We now have everything we need to drive international business with confidence, and Jose has the talent to help us do just that. Jose’s skill in leading and growing international business aligns fully with our ambitions. We’re delighted to have him on the team.”

Hernandez joins Argo from American International Group (AIG) where he most recently served as President and Chief Executive Officer of AIG’s Asia-Pacific region which at the time spanned 16 countries and jurisdictions with more than 22,000 employees. “I’m looking forward to joining this first-rate team and continuing the company’s strategic growth around the world,” Hernandez said.

He began his career working for several insurers in the U.S. and internationally. He went on to spend more than 20 years with AIG in a number of senior leadership roles in both the consumer and commercial segments. He brings expertise in field operations, distribution, underwriting, claims, strategic planning and management to Argo Group.

New Board Member At ISDA

The International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc. (ISDA) in September announced the appointment of Axel van Nederveen, Treasurer of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), to its Board of Directors. The appointment marks the first time a supranational institution has been appointed to the ISDA Board, and is the latest step in an initiative to further broaden its scope and perspective by appointing members from diverse sectors of the market.

“Supranationals play an important role in strengthening economic growth and capital markets activity in both developed and developing markets, and are regular users of derivatives, ISDA Chairman Eric Litvack said in a released statement. “We’re very excited to welcome Axel as our first ever supranational Board director and I’m sure his knowledge and experience of derivatives markets will be a huge benefit to both the ISDA Board and ISDA’s membership.”

Mr. van Nederveen’s appointment follows an announcement in June that senior executives from a central counterparty and a futures commission merchant have joined the Board. ISDA in January also announced that it would expand the composition of the Board to provide a “broad perspective of derivatives market activity”.