Everest Reinsurance, the reinsurance division of Bermudian-based Everest Re Group Ltd, has appointed Kevin Bogardus as senior vice-president, head of business development Asia Pacific, effective September 8.

He will be based in Singapore and report to Artur Klinger, head of international reinsurance.

In this newly created role, Mr Bogardus will lead the expansion into the Asia Pacific region, focused on growing and diversifying the reinsurance business across Asia, developing new client and broker relationships, and identifying growth opportunities in emerging Asian economies.

Mr Klinger said: “Kevin is a well-respected industry veteran recognised for his strong cedent relationships and successful track record of building new businesses from the ground up in Asia.

“This market is a critical focus area for Everest, and we are committed to investing in best-in-class talent whose expertise, like Kevin’s, will support our position as a preferred reinsurer across the continent and globally.”

Everest said Mr Bogardus has nearly three decades of experience building and leading successful insurance businesses in Asia at major global insurance and reinsurance companies.

Most recently, he was country president at Chubb Singapore, and also served as country president for Chubb China where he oversaw ACE’s acquisition of Chubb and led the company’s expansion with two new branches in Beijing and Guangzhou.

Prior to that, Mr Bogardus established a first of its kind direct insurance underwriting syndicate for ACE within Lloyd’s China and there served as chief adviser and board director for Huatai P&C Insurance Co Ltd.

He graduated summa cum laude from Tufts University where he double majored in international relations and Asian studies.

“I have had the pleasure of working with Kevin and know first-hand what an asset he is to our growing team and within the region,” said Jim Williamson, Everest Re Group Ltd COO and Everest head of reinsurance.

“Kevin’s depth of underwriting and pricing risk management experience, coupled with his proven abilities to develop long-term mutually beneficial relationships and bring together diverse, high performing teams is a unique combination that will bring tremendous value as we accelerate our international growth strategy.”