XL Re has appointed Philippe Rochaix as the new president and chief operating officer of XL Re Latin America Ltd., effective October 1.

Mr. Rochaix, who is currently general manager and senior vice-president of XL Re Europe Ltd.'s French branch, is based in Le Mans, France.

He will replace Stephen Outerbridge who will work closely with Mr. Rochaix during the transition period and will take on other responsibilities within XL's reinsurance operations.

Bertrand Romagne, who managed XL Re's Property Treaty Department for continental Europe, will assume Mr. Rochaix's responsibilities at XL Re Europe Ltd., as of October 1.

Mr. Rochaix has more than 20 years' experience in the (re)insurance industry, including more than 10 years in emerging markets.

During his career at XL, Mr. Rochaix has also served as chief underwriting officer of XL Re Singapore, which involved management and underwriting of non-life reinsurance Treaties and facultative business in Asia.

Prior to joining XL, Mr. Rochaix served from 1998 to 2002 as managing director of Le Mans Re's regional operations in Singapore, Sydney and Labuan. From 1996 to 1998 he served in various capacities at Le Blanc de Nicolaÿ Singapore.

James Veghte, chief executive of XL Re, said: "We are very pleased with Philippe's appointment to this position. He is a highly-respected leader with specific experience in emerging markets. This appointment demonstrates our continuing commitment to the Latin America market.

"I would also like to thank Stephen for his strong leadership over the last seven years and his ongoing involvement in the development of our global reinsurance operations."