Omega Insurance Holdings Ltd. has appointed Penelope James as group finance director. Mrs. James will take up her new role in May, 2007 and will be appointed to the Board of Bermuda-based Omega at that time.

Mrs James has been with Zurich Financial Services since 1995 was most recently was chief financial officer of the UK General Insurance Division, with responsibility for the financial management of Zurich's commercial and personal lines businesses in the UK.

Richard Tolliday, chief executive of Omega, said: "Omega is now an international group and Penny's considerable knowledge and experience of the industry, gained from a number of senior management roles at Zurich Financial Services, will be a valuable contribution to our business. I am delighted that she has agreed to join us and look forward to working with her."