Aspen insurance chair steps down

The chairman of Aspen’s insurance division, Rupert Villers, is set to step down from the company at the end of October 2015.

Villers will continue to serve as president of Aspen International Insurance until the end of July. Ann Haugh will succeed Villers as president at the end of July, in addition to her responsibilities as global chief operating officer of Aspen Insurance.

Villers: “I am very pleased with everything that my team and I have achieved during my tenure at Aspen Insurance. The business is well positioned in a new and exciting stage of its development and I wish Mario Vitale, our insurance chief executive, every success as it moves forward under his leadership. I am happy to be leaving Aspen on an extended timetable as this will allow for a smooth transition of the various aspects of my role.”

Chris O’Kane, Aspen’s group chief executive officer, said: “Rupert has done an outstanding job in building our Insurance franchise and driving forward our insurance strategy. He has also made a significant contribution to our executive management capabilities and I would like to thank him sincerely for everything that he has done for Aspen during his time with the company.”

Mario Vitale, chief executive of Aspen insurance, added: “I would like to add my thanks to Rupert for his valuable advice and wise counsel as we worked closely together to grow our Insurance business over the last few years.”

“Ann has made a significant contribution since she joined Aspen Insurance almost 18 months ago and she is ideally qualified to lead our International business. Her breadth of experience and expertise will be invaluable as we take the business forward to the next stage of its development.”