Hamilton Insurance Group has appointed insurance sector veteran Dermot O’Donohoe to lead the group’s operations at Lloyd’s.

Mr O’Donohoe is the former group chief executive officer of global speciality insurer Torus Group. He oversaw the transition of Torus’ ownership to Bermuda-based Enstar last year.

He will become CEO of Sportscover Underwriting Limited, the managing agency of Lloyd’s syndicate 3334, subject to approval from Lloyd’s.

““I am delighted to announce that Dermot will be joining the Hamilton team. He’s a superb underwriter with more than 30 years’ experience in the United Kingdom and Europe. During that time, he profitably led, developed and grew many lines of business,” said Brian Duperreault, CEO of Hamilton Insurance Group, the holding company for Hamilton Re and Hamilton USA.

Hamilton Insurance Group entered into a share purchase agreement with Australia-based Wild Goose Holdings in November to acquire sports and leisure insurance company Sportscover and Kinetic Insurance Brokers, a Loyd’s insurance broker.

Bermuda-based Hamilton Insurance Group, which at the end of 2014 had more than $1 billion of capital, intends to rename Sportscover as Hamilton Underwriting Limited, pending requisite approvals.

Mr Duperreault said: “Lloyd’s influence in the global marketplace cannot be overstated. As we’ve previously noted, it is critical to the successful implementation of our business strategy.

“Dermot has the in-depth knowledge of the Lloyd’s and European markets that we need to develop our international business, and I’m pleased we’ve identified the right person to lead this aspect of Hamilton’s development.”

Mr O’Donohoe joined Torus in 2009 and, until his departure in mid 2014, held executive-level positions, including global head of speciality and CEO of Torus International.

He also worked for XL Group in a number of roles between 1995 and 2009.

Mr O’Donohoe said: “I am impressed with the manner in which Brian Duperreault and his team have been executing their strategy to build a diversified global platform at Hamilton.

“The group’s emphasis on underwriting profit and leading technology deployment will serve our clients and brokers well. I’m honoured to be joining this exciting venture and contributing to its future success.”

Mr O’Donohoe holds a Bachelor of Business Studies degree from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland, and a Master of Arts in Financial Control from Dublin City University. He is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute and a member of the Marketing Institute of Ireland.