Arch Re shakes up underwriting leadership, setting stage for expansion

Arch Reinsurance (Arch Re), a wholly owned subsidiary of  Arch Capital Group, has shaken up its top leadership in a move to enhance its Bermuda operations and further its expansion in Europe and globally.

Crystal Doughty (pictured right) has been promoted to chief underwriting officer, property, and William Soares (pictured left) to chief underwriting officer, casualty and specialty. Both will report to Jerome Halgan, CEO of Arch Re.

Pierre Jal, who most recently served as global chief underwriting officer for Arch Re, has assumed the role of chief underwriting officer for Arch Reinsurance Europe. Jal, now based in Zurich, will continue to oversee underwriting strategy across both Arch Re and Arch Re Europe.

Furthermore, Matthew Dragonetti, president of Arch Re, will expand his responsibilities to include leading client-centric initiatives across Arch Worldwide Reinsurance Group.

Commenting on the changes, Halgan said: “I want to congratulate Crystal and William, both of whom have been critical to the success of Arch Re Ltd., and I am looking forward to working with them as we strive to meet the needs of our customers and grow our Bermuda platform. I am also excited to draw on Matt’s and Pierre’s experience and leadership as we advance several strategic initiatives across the reinsurance group.”

Doughty joined Arch in 2021 as a senior property underwriter and has been leading several of Arch Re’s insurance-linked securities initiatives. Prior to Arch, Doughty spent 15 years with Markel in various underwriting and actuarial roles.

Soares has held a variety of senior underwriting roles, most recently head of casualty and specialty, since joining Arch Re in 2006.

Jal started with Arch Re Europe in 2007 as an underwriter/actuary and has held senior underwriting roles at both Arch Re Europe and Arch Re.

Dragonetti helped found Arch Re in 2001 and has been president and head of property since 2017.

Maamoun Rajeh, chairman and CEO of Arch Worldwide Reinsurance Group, added: “Crystal and William’s well-deserved promotions reinforce the caliber and depth of our leadership team at Arch Re. We take great pride in our underwriting acumen, and I know they will be incredible stewards of the underwriting legacy that is well established at Arch Re Ltd.

“Matt and Pierre have been instrumental in building our operations in both Bermuda and Europe, and I’m delighted they will once again apply their talents and experience to help our organisation realize its full potential. We have incredible opportunities in front of us at Arch Re, and I’m looking forward to what’s next.”

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