Bermuda-based Torus Insurance Holdings Ltd. has hired three executives from American International Group to lead its new Chicago operation.

William McArthur, Dennis Johnson and Mark Mowinski will all be based in Chicago, as Torus marches on with its US expension, following the opening of a Houston officer earlier this month.

The triple hiring marks the latest capture of AIG talent by Bermuda companies, who have attracted numerous executives from the insurance giant which was bailed out by the US Government last September.

In a statement yesterday, Torus said Mr. McArthur becomes vice-president, senior Power & Utilities underwriter, with immediate effect. He will report to London-based Ben Wilson, global head of Torus' Power & Utilities Practice.

Both Mr. Johnson and Mr. Mowinski will be vice-presidents, senior property underwriters, responsible for underwriting in the US midwest. They will report to Steve Fomchenko, Torus' global head of General Property Underwriting.

Mr. McArthur, a qualified engineer, brings 40 years of extensive power and utilities experience to Torus. He joins from Lexington and has previously worked for Crum & Forster, Ace Global Property and CIGNA. He began his career as a mechanical nuclear instructor for the US Navy.

Mr. Johnson joins Torus from AIG where he was AVP, regional property manager for Central United States. He has also worked for Scor, Aon and Industrial Risk Insurers during his 30-year career.

Mr. Mowinski was also formerly an underwriter at Lexington and Scor, where he began his insurance career back in 1988. He has also worked for Everest Re and CNA Insurance.

Torus plans to continue its expansion in the US through the establishment of a West Coast office.