Bermudian-based Hamilton Insurance Group, the holding company for insurance and reinsurance operations in Bermuda and at Lloyd’s, has announced two executive-level appointments, and one departure from the company.

Peter Barrett, former chairman of Lloyd’s insurance broker Bell & Clements, has joined as global head, specialty insurance, while Christi Garber, former tax director of the Americas at Validus Group, has joined as senior vice-president, tax. Both positions are newly-created.

The company has also announced that Dermot O’Donohoe is leaving his position as chief executive officer of Hamilton at Lloyd’s.

Mr Barrett, who will be based in London and report to Hamilton Group chief executive officer Pina Albo, will be responsible for overseeing the integration of the Lloyd’s and non-Lloyd’s operations that are being acquired by Hamilton from Liberty Mutual Group, the company said. These include Pembroke Managing Agency and Ironshore Europe DAC as well as two managing general agencies — one in the US and one in Dubai.

Mr Barrett will also be responsible for overseeing the development of a broader insurance strategy that builds on the operations associated with the pending acquisition, Hamilton said.

Mr Barrett was recently honoured with the Vincent Donahue/Charles McAlear Industry Award presented by the Wholesale & Specialty Insurance Association (WSIA). He began his career in 1976 and joined Bell & Clements in 1986. He was appointed the broker’s managing director in 1989 and chairman in 2004.

Ms Garber will be based in New York and report to group chief financial officer Jonathan Reiss. She will serve as a key member of Hamilton’s finance team and will be responsible for all taxation matters including, but not limited to, developing and maintaining an overall approach for taxation efficiency and operations that support Hamilton’s growth strategy, the company said. She will also be responsible for all aspects of Hamilton’s global tax compliance.

Aside from her previous post at Validus Group, Ms Garber’s 25 years’ experience in the insurance and financial services sectors includes eight years as tax director and senior vice-president at Sirius Group, and three years as vice-president, Financial Guaranty Insurance Company.

Mr O’Donohoe has agreed to stay with the company until the definitive agreement with Liberty Mutual is signed.

“Following the announcement earlier this month of our transformative deal with Liberty Mutual, I’m delighted to welcome Peter Barrett and Christi Garber to the Hamilton team,” said Ms Albo.

“Their impressive skills and valuable experience are going to be critical as we complete our transaction and plan for the subsequent integration of the operations we’re acquiring.

“The establishment of these two new positions are key developments in achieving our goal of establishing a leading diversified global specialty insurance and reinsurance company.

“Tempering our welcome to Peter and Christi is our regret at losing Dermot. He’s been with Hamilton at Lloyd’s from the beginning and has steered our agency and syndicate with a steady hand.”

Mr O’Donohoe said: “While I’ve enjoyed my time with the company, I’m looking forward to a new challenge. I wish everyone well as they continue to build a top quartile specialty franchise at Lloyd’s.”