Bermudian-based Ascot Group has made two senior appointments, announcing Michael Watkins in the newly created role of head of Bermuda Insurance, pending immigration approval, and Jason Pugi as head of Bermuda Excess Casualty.

Ascot said: “In this new role, Mike, supported by the Bermuda platform’s talented segment leaders, will be a critical asset to the strategic development, refinement and expansion of Ascot’s offerings, while providing enhanced structure and cohesion to the greater Bermuda insurance team.

“He will be tasked with driving the company’s mission to be a perfect partner for a less-than-perfect world by delivering specialty insurance offerings to solve clients’ evolving risks in Bermuda.”

Mr Watkins, most recently senior vice-president, Bermuda Excess Casualty at Ascot, has more than two decades of industry experience at global specialty insurance companies including Chubb, Liberty Mutual and Allied World, and a proven record of leadership and underwriting acumen in his five-year tenure at Ascot, the company said.

Mr Pugi, previously Ascot senior vice-president, Bermuda Excess Casualty, will lead all aspects of the Bermuda Excess Casualty business. He has 25 years of underwriting experience, including roles of increasing responsibility at Allied World, AIG and Chubb.

“Ascot is committed to our Bermuda insurance division as both a valuable and trusted provider of key offerings for our clients, and as a driver of business diversification and profitability,” said Ian Thompson, Ascot Bermuda chief executive officer.

“The promotion of both Michael and Jason reflects the deep bench of talented and experienced insurance professionals we have at Ascot. I am certain they will both be critical to our continued strategic relevance in the Bermuda insurance market.”