Hamilton Insurance Group has appointed Keith Bernhard as head of internal audit.

In this newly-created position, Mr Bernhard is responsible for developing and executing a risk-based internal audit plan for Hamilton Insurance Group and its subsidiaries. He will also lead the organisation’s Sarbanes-Oxley compliance programme, coordinate the Company’s compliance with certain other regulatory requirements, and support the ongoing development of the Company’s risk and control culture.

“Keith is a great addition to the Hamilton team,” said Group CEO Brian Duperreault. “He has almost two decades’ experience in internal audit, and has established and managed effective compliance programmes in markets around the world. His proven expertise in this area will provide critical strategic and executional support as we expand our operations, both in Bermuda and on an international basis.”

“I am thrilled to join Hamilton Insurance Group,” said Mr Bernhard. “This is an organisation filled with talent and backed by strategic shareholders and an impressive board of directors. Most important, it is an organisation doing the right things for the right reasons. I am looking forward to working with Brian and the top team he has assembled.”

Mr Bernhard comes to Hamilton Insurance Group from Markel Corporation, where he was director of internal audit. Immediately prior to Markel’s acquisition of Alterra Capital, Mr Bernhard was head of internal audit for Alterra, a position he held from 2007.

Prior to joining Alterra, Mr Bernhard was a senior manager in the Risk Advisory Services practice of KPMG, with a focus on advising insurance and reinsurance clients.

Mr Bernhard’s experience in internal audit and risk management also includes tenures at Deloitte in the US, South Africa and New Zealand.

Mr Bernhard, a Chartered Accountant, holds a Bachelor of Commerce and Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy from the University of Natal, South Africa. He is a member of the Institute of Risk Management and the New Zealand Society for Risk Management, and is the President of the Bermuda chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors.