Henry Smith, who last month successfully led the merger of the Bank of Bermuda with HSBC Plc, has been nominated to join the board of Bermuda-based reinsurance company Axis Capital Holdings Ltd.

Axis also announced on Friday that Jurgen Grupe, former chairman of Aon-Reinsurance Europe had also been nominated as a director.

Axis chairman Michael Butt , and chief executive officer John Charman said: "We are very fortunate to have attracted to our Board individuals of outstanding international reputation.

"Jurgen brings more than 40 years of in-depth global insurance industry experience and knowledge and Henry more than 30 years of experience in the global financial markets, including significant experience in the Bermuda marketplace. We very much look forward to the prospect of working with both Jurgen and Henry."

Mr. Smith, age 55, is executive director of the Bank of Bermuda having retired as chief executive officer after the merger with HSBC. Prior to his appointment as CEO seven years ago, Mr. Smith held various senior positions within the Bank, including positions overseas, having previously been executive vice president and chief operating officer; executive vice president, Europe; and senior vice president, retail banking.

Mr. Grupe, age 66, is also a former member of the Board of Aon Reinsurance - World-wide. Prior to Aon's acquisition of Jauch & Hubener in Hamburg, Germany, Mr. Grupe was a partner of Jauch & Hubener OHG and chairman of its reinsurance company.