Former Swiss Re group chief underwriting officer Brian Gray is to become a director of RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd, replacing Thomas Cooper who is retiring from the board.The switch is expected to occur in May when the company holds its annual meeting. Mr Cooper, 76, has been a member of the board since 1996.“As RenaissanceRe celebrates its 20th year, it is fitting that we honour Tom, who has served our company since just after our initial public offering,” said Neill A Currie, CEO of RenaissanceRe.”“At the same time, we look forward to the knowledge and insight that Brian will bring to the boardroom, drawing from the depth of his underwriting experience and his record of achievement in our industry.“As RenaissanceRe’s operations and underwriting activities continue to expand both geographically and in terms of our coverages, Brian’s contributions will be timely and valuable.”Mr Gray, 50, joined Swiss Re in 1985 and served in a number of roles from underwriting upwards and was promoted to president and CEO of Swiss Re Canada in 2001.He was the group chief underwriting officer from 2008 to 2012 and was a member of Swiss Re’s group executive committee.RenaissanceRe chairman Ralph B. Levy, said: “On behalf of the entire board of directors of RenaissanceRe, I thank Tom for his many years of service. We are truly in his debt.“On behalf of my fellow directors, I am also pleased to welcome Brian, whose industry knowledge will contribute to our stewardship of the organisation on behalf of all of its shareholders.”