Bermudian-based Everest Group Ltd has appointed industry veteran John Howard as an independent, non-executive member of its board of directors.

Jim Williamson, Everest president and chief executive, said: “John is an outstanding addition to Everest’s board.

“He is highly regarded in the industry with a stellar career successfully building and transforming businesses, teams, and insurance portfolios to deliver exceptional growth and value.

“His deep knowledge of the sector and strong relationships will be particularly valuable as we position Everest for long-term growth and profitability.”

The company said Mr Howard has more than three decades of diversified insurance and senior executive leadership experience at top financial services organisations with a proven track record of delivering superior results.

Most recently he was chief executive of Truist Insurance Holdings, serving in various leadership positions over the course of 20 years with the company and its affiliates.

Everest said he recently led the successful $16 billion leveraged buyout of TIH from Truist Financial Corporation (formerly BB&T Corporation).

On January 1, Mr Howard stepped down as chief executive and assumed the role of vice-chairman of TIH, and he continues to serve on TIH’s board of managers.

He serves on the insurance policy committee of the board of governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers, The Institutes, and the Maurice R Greenberg School of Risk Management, Insurance, and Actuarial Science at St John’s University.

“We are delighted to welcome John and expand Everest’s board with his outstanding calibre of leadership, strategic insight, and integrity,” said Joseph V Taranto, Everest chairman.

“John brings a wealth of experience in transforming businesses, driving growth, and creating value. I look forward to working with him and drawing on his counsel as we focus on strengthening Everest’s market position and delivering strong returns for our stakeholders.”