After a year that saw a bruising proxy battle, an SEC investigation and the sudden resignation of its chief executive officer, Argo Group International Holdings Ltd has made changes at the top.

Kevin Rehnberg, who became interim CEO following the departure of Mark Watson in November, has been confirmed as the new CEO of the Bermudian re/insurer.

In addition, Thomas Bradley has been appointed chairman of the board, and will take up that role when current chairman Gary Woods retires at Argo’s annual meeting, now scheduled for April 16.

Last year, Argo was involved in a proxy battle with activist shareholder Voce Capital Management. The San Francisco hedge fund attacked what it called a “spendthrift culture” and “inappropriate corporate expenses” at Argo. The company responded that the claims had “little regard for the truth”.

Voce called for changes to the board.

In November, Mr Watson retired immediately as CEO. The announcement came amid an investigation of Argo by the US Securities and Exchange Commission regarding disclosure of certain compensation matters.

Mr Watson continued to serve as a member of the board and as an adviser to the company until the end of 2019.

For the past 19 years, Mr Woods has been Argo’s board chairman. He joined the company in 2000.

On the appointment of Mr Bradley as his successor, Mr Woods said: “Tom joined the board with vast experience in numerous insurance industry leadership roles. His strategic vision for the business and intense focus on the highest standards of corporate governance will benefit our customers, shareholders and employees.”

Regarding Mr Rehnberg, he said: “We are also pleased that Kevin will serve as CEO on a permanent basis. He has demonstrated his abilities as a results-oriented leader. It has been an honour to serve as chairman, and I am confident we have the right leadership in place for the future.”

Mr Bradley said the board extended its thanks to Mr Woods for his commitment and contributions to Argo and “providing leadership as the company has expanded from a very small regional insurer generating approximately $300 million in gross written premium to a strong specialty insurer exceeding $3 billion in annual gross written premium”.

He added: “Argo Group is a solid company poised for prosperity in the specialty insurance marketplace. It is a privilege to serve as chairman working with the board and Argo’s leadership team to ensure the company continues to deliver on its commitments to shareholders, clients and employees.”

Mr Bradley retired from Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, where he had served as chief financial officer, in 2017. The following year he became a director for Argo.

He said Mr Rehnberg had led with confidence and integrity during his time as interim CEO, and the board believes that as CEO he will lead Argo towards a stronger and more profitable future.

Mr Rehnberg, who joined the company seven years ago, said: “It is an honour to take on this role and collaborate with such a talented team. We will continue to serve our customers and partners — pursuing strong results through operational excellence and innovative solutions.”

Argo is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter results on Monday. It has warned that it expects an underwriting loss of about $114 million for the quarter.