Bermuda insurer Ironshore has announced the appointment of Ronald Sandler as chairman of the board of directors.

Mr. Sandler joined the board in October this year and he replaces Bob Clements, who has been serving as interim chairman since the inception of the company in late 2006. Mr. Clements will remain a director of Ironshore and will continue to provide strategic direction and advice.

"We are excited to have Ron Sandler leading Ironshore and helping to shape the company in these formative early years," said Mr. Clements. "Ron's background and experience in the financial services and insurance industries will prove invaluable to the company as it expands its products and operating platforms in the future."

"I am looking forward to this new leadership position with Ironshore," said Mr. Sandler. "It is an exciting time for the company. I welcome the opportunity to work with Bob Clements, Bob Deutsch, the other directors and the rest of the senior management team."

Mr. Sandler has many years of global financial services experience and is a recognised leader within the London insurance market, where he was CEO of Lloyd's from 1995 to 1999. He has also held senior positions with National Westminster Bank, Exco, Martin Bierbaum Group, Booz Allen & Hamilton and Boston Consulting Group. He is currently a director of Fortis, Computacenter and several private companies.