American International Group (AIG) has hired Seraina Maag from XL Group to become president and chief executive officer of its operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Maag will be based in London and will oversee AIG’s P&C insurance businesses in 47 countries.

AIG said the position is effective November 11.

In a statement, AIG said Ms Maag joins the company from the XL Group, where she was chief executive, North American Property & Casualty, and also held global responsibility for Excess Casualty and Surety.

At AIG, Ms Maag will oversee the insurance businesses in the 47 countries that comprise AIG’s EMEA region.

Ms Maag will be based in London and will report directly to Peter D Hancock, CEO of AIG Property Casualty.

She succeeds Nicholas Walsh, who has been serving as the region’s interim head since April.

Mr Walsh will resume his role as vice chairman, AIG Property Casualty, and will continue to hold his existing positions on the boards of AIG Europe Ltd, AIG Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, and Tata AIG.

“I am delighted to welcome Seraina to AIG,” said Mr Hancock. “With her strong insurance background, proven leadership skills, and global perspective, I am confident she will be an invaluable asset to our business. We have made great strides over the past several years, and Seraina’s appointment marks a wonderful addition to our team as we continue to concentrate on refocusing our business, improving our risk selection, and delivering outstanding service to our brokers and customers around the world.

“I would also like to thank Nic Walsh for his outstanding leadership of the region over this past year.”

Ms Maag was elected a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in 2009 and was named one of Business Insurance magazine’s Women to Watch.