Everest Re elects Board director

Everest Re has elected John Graf to its board of directors.

Graf retired as chairman, chief executive officer and president of Forethought Financial Group in 2014, following its acquisition by Global Atlantic Financial Group, where he remains as non-executive vice chairman of the board.

Prior to joining Forethought in 2006, he served as vice chairman of the board of AXA Financial and president and chief operating officer for several of its subsidiaries.

Until 2005, Graf had also served as executive vice president at AIG, having joined the company when American General Corporation was acquired by AIG in 2001. At the time of the acquisition, he was senior vice chairman, responsible for all group retirement plans, annuity and retail investment businesses.

He joined American General in 1998 upon the acquisition of Western National Life Insurance Company.

Having started with Conseco in 1987, Graf worked primarily for its subsidiary, Western National Life Insurance Company, where he rose to the position of vice chairman and chief marketing and administrative officer before its acquisition by American General.

Graf currently serves as a board member for various companies and organisations including Global Atlantic Financial Group and Memorial Hermann Health Care Systems, as well as several local community boards including the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Houston where he most recently served as chairman.

Joseph Taranto, chairman of the board, said: "With more than 35 years of experience in leadership roles within the global financial services industry, John brings a unique and complementary skill set to our board.

“His advice and counsel will be welcomed as we continue to expand the Everest footprint.”