KPMG Peat Marwick Bermuda partner Mark Bridges, FCA has been appointed vice president, finance at Bermuda-based reinsurer Overseas Partners Ltd. (OPL).

OPL president and CEO Bruce Barone said the need to add to staff resulted from the reinsurer's current and planned growth.

He said the critical and highly visible executive position of vice president, finance, requires one with the proven ability to think strategically and to manage the finance and accounting functions of the firm.

Mr. Bridges, 39, will report directly to the CEO (Mr. Barone) and will have a wide range of responsibilities, including control of all the accounting information services and functions of the company, and oversight of the company's investment activities.

He will also participate in the evaluation of new reinsurance programmes for the firm.

Mr. Bridges leaves KPMG, where he has been a partner since 1988, having joined the Bermuda office of the accountancy firm in 1984.

Mr. Barone said that the English born chartered accountant has had audit experience that specialised in insurance and reinsurance.

Mr. Bridges gained considerable experience at KPMG in the application and interpretation of US generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and in Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings.

OPL said yesterday he also nurtured strong relationships with many key members of the Bermuda insurance community.

Mr. Barone stated: "With his extensive background in reinsurance, Mark will become an excellent addition to the management team at OPL. He has accepted what will be a very demanding position, and we will look forward to working with him.'' Mark Bridges BUSINESS BUC