Kevin O’Donnell, chief executive officer of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd, has been elected chairman of the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2017.

Mr O’Donnell succeeds Stephen Catlin, the XL Catlin executive deputy chairman, who completes his two-year term December 31.

Elected as first deputy chairman was Brian Duperreault, chairman and CEO of Hamilton Insurance Group, while Albert Benchimol, CEO of Axis Capital Holdings Ltd, was elected second deputy chairman.

Brad Kading, Abir’s president and executive director, thanked Mr Catlin for his leadership.

“Stephen brought a tremendous depth of knowledge to this position and was instrumental in leading Abir discussions with UK and EU political leaders.

“He helped the membership navigate successfully down the Solvency II equivalence path. The members are extremely grateful for his service,” Kading said.