Fidelis Insurance, a Bermuda start-up, has recruited an executive from Aspen Insurance Holdings to be its group general counsel.

Patricia Roufca will work from the Fidelis office in London, which was established in June 2015.

At Aspen Insurance, another Bermudian re/insurer, she served most recently as group head of legal, associate group general counsel and group company secretary. In this role she advised on board governance matters and was instrumental in executing various strategic initiatives including M&A and Aspen’s alternative capital transactions.

She was a key member of the team which successfully defended against the attempted takeover by Endurance Specialty Holdings and was the lead lawyer for Aspen’s capital raises, including debt, equity and preferred shares.

Patricia joined Aspen Insurance in 2005 from New York- and London-based law firm LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene and MacRae LLP.

As a senior associate at the firm, she advised various insurance companies, worked on several cross-border transactions and on a number of IPOs in the insurance sector.

Richard Brindle, group chief executive officer of Fidelis Insurance said: “Since our launch just over six months ago, Fidelis has grown rapidly.

“Maintaining our growth trajectory and continuing to realise our ambitions will require exceptional individuals in every facet of our organisation.

“Patricia is a truly high-calibre appointment with a first-rate legal mind. Patricia’s extensive experience across the insurance market will be an invaluable addition to our growing business, ensuring that we remain well-positioned in a constantly evolving regulatory landscape and arming us with further expertise as we continue to expand our business.”