Jim Williamson has succeeded John Doucette as head of the Everest Reinsurance Division, the Bermudian-based re/insurer Everest Re Group Ltd announced.

Mr Williamson, the company’s executive vice-president and group chief operating officer, takes on the additional responsibilities effective immediately, the company said.

Everest said Mr Doucette is leaving the company to pursue other opportunities.

The appointment of Mr Williamson to lead Everest’s Reinsurance Division furthers the company’s focus on profitably growing a balanced and diversified reinsurance and insurance portfolio, underpinned by relentless execution, to maximise shareholder returns and deliver superior earnings and book value per share growth over time, it said.

Juan C Andrade, president and chief executive officer of Everest, said: “I am excited to have Jim take on the leadership of Everest Reinsurance. He is an experienced and talented executive with a wealth of industry knowledge, and a track record of driving results. This change will enable us to enhance our already strong underwriting and operational discipline.”

He added: “On behalf of the executive management team, I want to thank John for his dedication and many contributions to the organisation. Under his leadership, Everest has strengthened its position as a resilient and innovative reinsurer. I wish him well in his future endeavours.”

Mr Williamson said: “Everest’s Reinsurance business is world class, and I am energised by the opportunity to lead such an accomplished team. We have exceptional talent around the world, deep partnerships with our brokers and cedants, and the financial resources to continue to execute our global growth strategy.”

Mr Williamson joined Everest in 2020 as the group chief operating officer.

He began his insurance career as a casualty underwriter at The Hartford.

At The Hartford, Chubb, and now Everest, the company said he has worked in all aspects of the P&C commercial and consumer lines industry both in the US and internationally running large and successful businesses.

He has also had functional responsibilities for actuarial, technology, and claims organisations during his career, Everest said.

Mr Williamson holds an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and a BS from Bryant College.