Industry veteran Shawn Austin is to join Bermudian-based Everest Re Group Ltd as Senior Vice President, Head of Accident and Health for North America, effective October 24.

He will be based in New York and report directly to Jim Williamson, Everest Group COO and head of reinsurance.

Mr Williamson said: “Shawn is the most recent example of our deep investment in best-in-class talent at Everest.

“Shawn’s strong leadership skills and demonstrated track record building new businesses enable us to capitalise on increased market demand for innovative accident and health solutions.”

The company said Mr Austin, who has 25 years of industry experience, will lead strategy development and execution for accident and health in North America, and be responsible for expanding the company’s products and services within the accident and health market.

Prior to joining Everest, he served as head of AIG’s North American accident and health business where he oversaw the entire portfolio.

Mr Austin will succeed Everest Reinsurance veteran Lou Monteagudo, who will be retiring in December after 26 years with the company.