company's board of directors.

Mr. Crockett, 51, is president and CEO of COMSAT Corp., a global provider of communications and entertainment products and services, according to a release from Bermuda-based ACE.

COMSAT provides a variety of international telecommunications and broadcast services via satellite, manages telecommunications ventures in emerging markets and manufactures telecommunications components and systems.

The company also owns the NBA Denver Nuggets, an on demand hotel entertainment business, and Beacon Communications Corp., a film and television production company.

Mr. Crockett fills a vacancy on ACE's board which occurred when Mr. John Cox, retired chairman and CEO, decided not to stand for re-election at the annual general meeting held in February.

ACE also announced Friday it will increase its quarterly dividend on ordinary shares from 11 cents to 14 cents.

The dividend will be paid July 19 to shareholders of record June 30.