Axis Capital general counsel retires; successor is named

Bermuda-based specialty insurer Axis Capital has appointed Conrad Brooks as general counsel, succeeding Richard Gieryn Jr, who is retiring following 14 years at the company.

The appointment is effective January 1, 2017, and Brooks has been promoted from the position of executive vice president, corporate general counsel.

Before joining Axis Capital in January 2007, Brooks was a partner at law firm McKenna Long & Aldridge (now Dentons).

Brooks will have global oversight of legal compliance and regulatory operation across all Axis offices, and will report to Albert Benchimol, president and CEO of Axis Capital. Brooks will also join the company’s executive committee.

“Since joining AXIS a decade ago, Conrad has played a critical role in developing standards of operations for our global compliance and legal practices and, in doing so, has earned the respect and confidence of our Board of Directors and of our management team,” said Benchimol.

“He brings to the General Counsel position an extensive understanding of our business, as well as deep expertise in the fields of corporate law, insurance regulation, compliance, underwriting support and litigation as it applies to global insurance and reinsurance. We are very proud to appoint him as a senior leader within our organisation."

Gieryn has a 35-year career in law, and has served as general counsel for Axis since April 2006.

“During his tenure at Axis, Rick has been an integral member of our leadership team and has made significant contributions to our growth,” added Benchimol.

"He has been a key player in helping the company emerge from a start-up into a leading global player within the specialty insurance and reinsurance space. On behalf of our entire team at Axis, we thank Rick for his leadership and counsel and wish him the absolute best on his retirement.”