Aspen Insurance Holdings yesterday announced that it has appointed Adrian Ballardie to the position of chief risk officer. He will be based in London and report to chief executive officer Chris O?Kane. Mr. Ballardie will be responsible for managing underwriting risk at both the strategic and operational level.

Mr. Ballardie brings close to 30 years of experience in underwriting and managing insurance and reinsurance lines of business in the London market. He most recently served as joint CEO of Axa Re UK?s Corporate Solutions Services, where he was responsible for redefining and redirecting the underwriting philosophy and strategy.

?We are delighted to add such a talented and well respected industry executive to our team,? Mr. O?Kane said. ?Adrian?s proven underwriting track record and extensive industry experience make him exceptionally suited for this position. We look forward to benefiting from his risk management expertise.?

?I am proud and excited to be joining Aspen during this important stage of growth for the company,? Mr. Ballardie said. In a short time period, Aspen has already established itself as a leader in key insurance and reinsurance lines and I look forward to working with the management team to build and strengthen its industry position.?

Mr. Ballardie joined Axa Reinsurance UK Plc in November, 1991 as director, facultative property manager. He was promoted to general manager in January, 1997 and to chief executive officer and managing director in July, 1998. Prior to his career at Axa, he spent over 15 years in several senior underwriting positions in the UK insurance market.