Argus leader retires

After over 30 years of service with the Argus Group Larry Osborne, vice president, property & casualty, has taken early retirement. ?Under his leadership Argus has become a major player in this market,? said Gerald Simons, chief executive officer of Argus.

Mr. Osborne has been succeeded by Bob Anderson ?who brings a wealth of experience to this position?, said Mr. Simons.

Before joining Argus, he served as head of operations, International Business (CGU plc). Over a 40-year career in insurance he has held several roles including manager of the Commercial Union?s branches in Edinburgh and London.

Quanta gets new head actuary

Bermuda insurer, Quanta Capital Holdings Ltd., which provides specialty insurance, reinsurance, and consulting services through its affiliated companies, announced the appointment of Charles Kasmer, 38, to the position of chief actuary.

Mr. Kasmer was most recently chief actuary of global casualty for Global P&C Reinsurance at GE ERC, where he oversaw reinsurance pricing for the worldwide casualty lines of business.

Before that, Mr. Kasmer acted as principal and actuary of the DFA practice at Aon Corporation and has been senior vice president and senior actuary of Risk Capital Reinsurance Company.

Mr. Kasmer has also held various actuarial roles with Zurich Reinsurance Centre, Frankona Reinsurance Company and Orion Capital Companies.

Tobey Russ, chief executive officer, said: ?Charles? appointment represents an important and welcome addition to Quanta?s management team. We are pleased to have filled our Chief Actuary position with someone of his talent and experience, and look forward to his contributions to the company?s success.?

Mr. Kasmer?s appointment is effective immediately, and he will report to chief risk officer Gary Wang.

Annuity & Life: New auditors

Bermuda-based Annuity and Life Re (Holdings), Ltd. announced the engagement of Marcum & Kliegman LLP as its new auditors, subject to ratification by the company?s shareholders at the company?s 2004 annual meeting.

Marcum & Kliegman is starting its quarterly review work and planning for the December 31, 2004 audit. The company will announce at a later date when it expects to release its first quarter earnings.

Jay Burke, chief executive officer of Annuity & Life said: ?We are very pleased with the engagement of Marcum & Kliegman and believe this represents additional progress towards stabilising our company.?

Annuity and Life Re (Holdings), Ltd. provides annuity and life reinsurance to insurers through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Annuity and Life Reassurance, Ltd. and Annuity and Life Reassurance America, Inc.

Appleby announces new counsel

Appleby Spurling Hunter (formerly Appleby Spurling & Kempe) announced the promotion of John McMahon, Michelle Stone and Kelvin Hastings-Smith to the position of counsel.

Mr. McMahon joined as an associate in 2001 and has served as a key member of the insurance team within corporate and commercial practice group and has provided expert advice with respect to a number of ?significant? insurance transactions, said the company.

Ms Stone joined the property group as an associate in1999 and practices general property law, specialising in the non-Bermudian acquisition of residential property, commercial property development, bank security and all matters hotel-related.

Mr. Hastings-Smith joined the group in 1993 as an associate and is currently the manager of the litigation practice group as well as a member of Appleby?s employment and immigration team.

Mr. Hastings-Smith is a fellow of the chartered institute of arbitrators and currently serves and an executive member of the Bermuda branch. He is also a regular speaker at conferences and frequently contributes various articles related to his field of expertise.

Peter Bubenzer, managing partner of Appleby?s said: ?The management and staff of Appleby Spurling and Hunter congratulate these attorneys on this significant achievement. Each of these individuals have been committed, hard working and valuable members of the organisation and are respected and appreciated by both clients and colleagues.?