Bermudian lawyer Marcello Ausenda is to become a partner of Conyers Dill and Pearman on April 1.

He has been a lawyer in the firm’s corporate department since joining in 2001, and his practice covers company and commercial work including aircraft finance, ship finance, securities, insurance and corporate restructurings.

Able to speak fluent Italian, Marcello graduated from McGill University in Canada and the London School of Economics and Political Science, England.

He was was admitted as a barrister and attorney in Bermuda in 1999 and as a solicitor in England and Wales the same year.

Prior to joining the Bermuda office of Conyers Dill & Pearman he gained experience at Latham & Watkins in London where his practice focused on mergers and acquisitions and securities transactions. He also worked for three years at Clifford Chance in London, where his practice was focused on all aspects of finance including project finance.

Mr. Ausenda is a member of the Law Society of England and Wales and the Bermuda Bar Association.

John Collis, chairman of Conyers Dill & Pearman, commented: “Marcello has, over the years, made a significant contribution to the firm. He has a busy and substantial corporate practice and has taken direct responsibility for some of the firm’s major corporate clients.

“His advice on corporate matters is highly regarded by our international clients. The partners are very pleased to have Marcello join the firm and look forward to his participation as we take on the challenges of the future.”

Allied World Assurance Company’s executive vice president Bill Davis is to retire as of March 31.

He has been involved in AWAC’s worldwide treaty and facultative reinsurance unit.

He joined the 2001 Bermuda start-up company in 2002 with primary responsibility for building AWAC’s global reinsurance operation. Although he is retiring, Mr. Davis will remain as a consultant to the company.

“Bill Davis was an integral part of building Allied World’s reinsurance operations,” said AWAC president and chief executive officer Scott Carmilani.

“His commitment and leadership helped our company grow to where it is today. We are appreciative of Bill’s contributions and dedication, and wish him the best of luck in retirement.”

Mr. Davis said: “What first attracted me to the insurance/reinsurance industry was that it’s a dynamic business that serves as a continuous learning environment.

“Concluding my career at Allied World — an entrepreneurial, global, underwriting success — was highly fulfilling. And helping Allied World play its part in developing Bermuda as the centre of excellence for our business was an added gratification.”

Prior to joining Allied World, Mr. Davis was senior vice president and executive management group member of St. Paul Re, and senior vice president and director of Skandia America Reinsurance Company.

From 1985 to 1990 he served as president and chief executive officer of Facultative ReSources, a subsidiary of W.R. Berkley Corporation. Before then he was with Cologne Re of America and Transatlantic Re. He began his insurance career at General Reinsurance in 1969, where he trained in casualty facultative reinsurance and multi-line treaty reinsurance.

During his retirement, Mr. Davis plans to play an active role within the charitable community, specifically investing resources into breast cancer research. He also plans to embark on a cross-country motorcycle tour of the US

Lancashire Holdings has announced three senior management promotions.

The Bermuda-registered specialty insurance company, which writes both catastrophe and non-catastrophe lines in Bermuda and London, has appointed Simon Burton as its deputy chief executive officer, and also CEO and chief underwriting officer of Lancashire Insurance Company Ltd., the group’s Bermuda underwriting platform.

Elaine Whelan is appointed chief financial officer of Lancashire Insurance Company Ltd. Both there appointments are subject to Bermuda Department of Immigration approval.

Paula Porter continues as chief executive officer of the group’s UK underwriting platform, Lancashire Insurance Company (UK) Limited, while Alex Maloney has been appointed as its chief underwriting officer.

Richard Brindle continues as CEO of Lancashire Holdings and chairman of the group underwriting committee and Neil McConachie continues as chief financial officer of Lancashire Holdings.

Mr. Brindle, said: “Since joining Lancashire in 2006, Simon Burton has demonstrated superior leadership and technical underwriting qualities for the group.

“Simon’s new responsibilities are a reflection of the Board’s and my faith in his abilities. Alex Maloney and Elaine Whelan likewise have worked tirelessly for the Group since its inception. Their new responsibilities are recognition of the contribution each is making. I congratulate all of them on their promotions.”

Bob Spass, chairman of Lancashire Holdings, added: “These promotions are a natural step in the evolution of the Lancashire Group. They reflect the fact that, while headquartered in Bermuda, the addition of the underwriting platform in London means the group now writes its diversified mix of insurance products across two major locations.

“The quality of the senior management team, as reflected by these appointments, underpins the Board’s confidence in the ability of the Lancashire Group to consolidate its position as an established player in its specialty markets.”