Vantage Group Holdings Ltd, the Bermudian-based re/insurer, has appointed Denise Watkins as head of excess casualty and Bermuda healthcare, pending immigration approval.

Ms Watkins will be based on the island and report to Alex Blanco, Vantage's chief officer of insurance.

In her expanded role, Ms Watkins will lead Vantage's businesses across US excess casualty and Bermuda excess casualty and healthcare.

The company said she will oversee the team's ongoing success through the enhancement of its business and distribution strategies – and will be responsible for the continued expansion of the business units and their profitable portfolio management, leveraging Vantage's data and analytics strategy and commitment to value-added solutions.

Mr Blanco said: "Denise is taking on this important new role to generate greater value for our brokers and clients as they navigate an increasingly complex risk environment. Her promotion marks the next phase in our sustained growth across Vantage's insurance business."

Ms Watkins said: "We've laid the foundation to be responsive, efficient, and insightful for our brokers and clients. I'm looking forward to expanding our data-empowered underwriting approach and developing sophisticated risk solutions with Alex and our teams."

The company said Ms Watkins has 25 years of industry experience.

Before joining Vantage, she held various senior positions at Sompo International in Bermuda, and previously held leadership roles at AIG and Travelers.