Bermuda-based Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd. announced today that Daniel Izard will be retiring from his position as chief operating officer of Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd., effective September 1, 2008.

A former Air Force pilot, Mr. Izard joined Endurance from Associated Aviation Underwriters, a joint venture of Chubb & Son and CNA Corporation where he served as president and chief executive officer for 14 years.

Mr. Izard's responsibilities will be assumed by the other members of Endurance's executive team.

Kenneth LeStrange, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said: "Dan's contributions to Endurance since he joined the company six years ago have been a substantial part of our success.

"Dan served in a wide variety of positions while at Endurance, in each role he made a difference to the company and by sharing his experience and insights with his colleagues he helped Endurance develop into the company it is today. We are grateful we had a chance to work with Dan and we will all miss him greatly."