Bermuda-based Stirling Cooke Brown Holdings Limited is hoping to boost business by creating a new position in Bermuda.

The company on Thursday announced the appointment of Paul Murray to a newly created post of Director of Programme Development.

In this new Bermuda-based position, Mr. Murray will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the development of new programme opportunities for the group on a global basis.

"Paul is extremely well qualified for this position, given his strong background and experience in underwriting.'' said Stephen A. Crain, president, chairman and chief executive officer.

"The development of new programme business is an important element of our strategic plan, as we endeavour to supplement our core business with other opportunities for profitable growth.'' "We are fortunate to have a man of Paul's talents to spearhead this initiative.'' Prior to this position, Mr. Murray served as President of Raydon, a Stirling Cooke Brown subsidiary, for almost seven years. Raydon had been an underwriter of programme business and assumed reinsurance on behalf of Clarendon.

Before that, he was an underwriter in both the Lloyd's and company markets in London and Bermuda.

Stirling Cooke Brown Holdings Limited is a Bermuda holding company, which, through its subsidiaries, provides insurance services and products. The company provides its range of services and products to unaffiliated insurance and reinsurance companies, insurance agents and insurers. The company is active primarily in the workers' compensation, occupational accident and health and casualty insurance markets through its subsidiaries located in London, Bermuda and the United States.

Stirling Cooke Brown Holdings Limited ordinary shares are quoted on the Nasdaq market under the symbol SCBHF.