Christopher Donelan named CEO at Sompo International Reinsurance

Sompo International Holdings, the Bermuda-based specialty provider of property and casualty re/insurance, has promoted Christopher Donelan to the role of chief executive officer of Sompo International Reinsurance.

Donelan was previously the deputy CEO of the business, which represents approximately $2.4 billion of annual gross written premiums and has operations in Bermuda, the US, the UK, Switzerland and Singapore. He replaces Stephen Young, who has resigned as CEO of the reinsurance business to pursue other interests.

Donelan joined Sompo International in 2013, before which he held senior reinsurance leadership roles at other property and casualty carriers. He has over 30 years of industry experience. As part of his promotion he also joins Sompo International’s commercial property and casualty executive team.

In his new role Donelan reports to Christopher Gallagher, the CEO of Sompo International’s commercial property and casualty business. The appointment is subject to applicable regulatory approval.

Gallagher cited Donelan’s extensive industry experience, strong relationships with major clients, distribution partners and employees, and historical knowledge of the company, as well as his track record of building profitable and meaningful reinsurance portfolios.

John Charman, executive chairman of Sompo International’s board of directors and CEO of overseas insurance and reinsurance business at Sompo Holdings, said: “[Donelan] is well known throughout our industry as an excellent underwriter and a decisive leader who has the proven ability to build profitable portfolios, attract and develop strong talent and drive strategic initiatives across a global platform.”

Donelan said: “Emerging from all the current market turmoil, I am convinced we have the opportunity to substantially increase the profile of our reinsurance platform to become an even more relevant and strategic, global partner for our cedants and broker partners.”