AM Best boosts Asia team with Lloyd’s and Qatarlyst hires

AM Best has expanded its managing team for the Asia-Pacific region by appointing former Lloyd’s executive Jose Ribeiro as managing director and Qatarlyst  CEO James Sutherland as commercial director.

As managing director, Asia-Pacific, Ribeiro will be responsible for raising the profile of the AM Best brand in the region and for overseeing the commercial development of its business throughout the region.

Ribeiro will report to Roger Sellek, chief executive officer (CEO), AM Best, EMEA & Asia-Pacific, and he will be based in Hong Kong.

Ribeiro has 28 years of experience re/insurance industry. He joins the firm from Lloyd’s where he was director for international markets. He has also formerly head of Argo International, CEO of Generali in Brazil, and CEO for LatAm & the Caribbean at Willis.

Sutherland will report to Ribeiro and will be based in Singapore. He will be responsible for developing strategic commercial initiatives to further reinforce and enhance the interests of AM Best across Southeast Asia Australia and New Zealand.

With a career extending more than 35 years, Sutherland has international experience of the insurance industry acquired in roles spanning broking, business development and e-trading.

Most recently Sutherland was CEO of Qatarlyst, an e-trading company he developed from its inception. He also worked for the Qatar Financial Centre Authority (QFCA) as a director, and in that role was responsible for promoting Qatar as a regional financial centre and for securing the establishment of international insurers with the QFCA.

Sellek said:  “I am delighted to welcome Jose and James to AM Best. These appointments reflect our commitment to developing our franchises globally and expanding our client relationships across Asia-Pacific.

“Between them, Jose and James bring a rich portfolio of experience that will be key in ensuring our continuing growth across the region.”