PartnerRe Ltd. has announced the appointment of Dean Graham as its new head of life, effective from yesterday.

Mr. Graham will be responsible for all of the group's life operations, reporting to Marvin Pestcoe, a member of PartnerRe executive management. Mr. Graham succeeds Franck Pinette, who has decided to leave PartnerRe to pursue another opportunity.

With 20 years' experience in the life insurance and reinsurance industry, Mr. Graham was previously deputy head of life, leading the worldwide life market teams within PartnerRe's life business unit, having joined the company in June 2008.

Prior to joining PartnerRe, Mr. Graham was with Old Mutual South Africa, most recently as chief operating officer of Old Mutual Corporate and managing director of Old Mutual Investment Administrators.

PartnerRe Ltd.'s chief operating officer Costas Miranthis said: "I am very pleased to promote Dean to lead our life operations. His successful track record in the life insurance and reinsurance industry as well as the energy and strong leadership skills he has displayed since he joined us make him the right choice to lead the life team at this important stage of its development.

• PartnerRe's board of directors has approved a new share repurchase of up to seven million common shares, effective immediately.

This replaces the prior authorisation of eight million common shares announced by the company in February. To date this year, PartnerRe has bought back a total of approximately 8.7 million shares pursuant to prior authorisations.