The Bermuda-based ACE Group of Companies yesterday announced the appointment of Roberto Hidalgo as president and chief executive officer of ACE Argentina and ACE Chile, effective February 1, 2007.

Mr. Hidalgo, who was formerly president and chief executive officer of ACE Puerto Rico, will be responsible for managing ACE’s operations in Argentina and Chile.

Mr. Hidalgo joined ACE in 2001 as Country Manager for Puerto Rico. Prior to joining ACE he held senior positions at CIGNA in Puerto Rico, Spain, Portugal and Mexico. Before joining CIGNA Mr. Hidalgo worked for American International Group in New York. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the College of Insurance in New York.

Judith Hernadez-Tate, regional vice-president, property, for ACE Latin America, will succeed Mr. Hidalgo as president and chief executive officer of ACE Puerto Rico, also effective February 1, 2007. In addition, Ms. Hernandez-Tate will continue in her senior commercial property insurance role for ACE Latin America.

Ms. Hernandez-Tate joined ACE in 2005 as Regional Vice President, Property, for ACE Latin America. Prior to joining ACE she held a number of senior positions at Chubb Group and American International Group in Latin America and New York. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Universidad Santa Maria in Caracas, Venezuela, and a master’s degree in business administration from the College of Insurance in New York.

“I am delighted that Roberto and Judith have accepted their appointments to these important markets in Latin America,” said Ed Clancy, president and chief operating officer, ACE Oversees General. “They exemplify the experienced, talented professionals on whom we rely as we develop further opportunities in the region.”