XL Capital Ltd. yesterday named David Duclos as chief operating officer of its insurance businesses, responsible for underwriting and sales.

Duclos will report to Clive Tobin, chief executive of insurance, XL said in a statement distributed by PR Newswire yesterday.

Dermot O?Donohoe will replace Duclos as chief underwriting officer for specialty insurance, reporting to Mr. Duclos.

?By positioning our insurance underwriting and regional management under Dave, we believe we will be able to deliver more robust and better integrated support to our customers across all of our platforms,? said Mr. Tobin.

?I am confident that Dave?s background and management strength will enable him to lead this very critical part of our business. Dave?s oversight of our operations will enable me to focus more attention on strategic business and marketing opportunities, and I am confident that this realignment will enable us to continue the substantial progress we have made in our insurance segment over recent years.?

Dermot O?Donohoe will assume Mr. Duclos? former role as Chief Underwriting Officer for Specialty Lines.

He will remain head of XL?s UK and Ireland region until a successor is named. Mr. O?Donohoe will report to Mr. Duclos in his new role, as will the current heads of business lines and regions within XL?s insurance segment.

Mr. Tobin said the appointments were part of a process begun two years ago to better integrate the company?s insurance operations.