Bermuda-based Everest Re chairman and chief executive officer Joseph Taranto has been named the 2010 Insurance Leader of the Year by St. John's University's School of Risk Management (SRM).

"Joe Taranto has been Everest Re's helm since 1994. He has been one of the best in the business at increasing shareholder value over time," said Brandon W. Sweitzer, chairman of the SRM's Board of Overseers.

"A true reinsurance professional, Joe has built a solid reputation of leadership excellence that is admired and emulated by many of his peers."

Mr. Taranto will be honoured at a dinner on January 19 at the Marriott Marquis in New York City.

Anyone interested in attending the dinner should call Maureen Furlong Weber of the SRM at 212-277-5111.