Andreas von Reitzenstein has been appointed senior vice-president, Underwriting; in the Bermuda office of Chicago-headquartered Elementum, the alternative investment manager specialising in collateralised natural catastrophe event reinsurance investments.

In this key underwriting role, the company said, Mr von Reitzenstein will serve as a crucial member of Elementum’s investment team, with responsibilities in underwriting, portfolio management and origination for Elementum’s CRI-inclusive funds.

Additionally, he will provide leadership for the firm’s Underwriting team, working to continue the development of the firm’s Underwriting associates.

Mr von Reitzenstein is an experienced reinsurance professional with a background in both insurance-linked securities and the traditional reinsurance market.

He joins Elementum from Aspen; where he served as portfolio manager in the company’s Capital Markets division.

“I have worked with Elementum as a counterparty for over ten years and have experienced the firm's professionalism and integrity first-hand,” Mr von Reitzenstein said. “I am thrilled to join this elite team and eager to contribute to its continued success.”

Paul Barker, partner and portfolio manager and head of Elementum’s Bermuda office, is excited about the addition of Mr von Reitzenstein: “His strong work ethic, high-performance mentality, and network of deep relationships will be a boon to our already stellar team.

“We are eager to leverage his underwriting expertise as well as the broad range of skills he’s honed over his 17-plus years in the industry. Andy will not only be an exceptional addition to the firm but will also serve as an integral part of our culture as we continue to build our platform and provide exceptional service to our clients and our counterparties.”

Prior to Aspen, Mr von Reitzenstein worked at Credit Suisse ILS for nearly a decade, starting as a senior underwriter in Zurich and later becoming the chief underwriting officer North America at Bernina Re in Bermuda.

He began his career in 2007 at Glacier Re as a cat modeller and underwriter. His first touchpoint with the reinsurance industry occurred in 2005 when he interned at Munich Re, evaluating aerial images following Hurricane Katrina.