The Zurich Group has been working to replace outgoing Centre Solutions president David Brown, who is opting for early retirement at the end of the year.

Officials believe the company can name a new boss to replace the 44-year-old chartered accountant within the next few weeks, to allow a smooth transition.

It has already been made clear that the firm will need very special talent at the helm of the rapidly growing company.

Centre Re is the founder and latter day leader in the global finite reinsurance marketplace.

Mr. Brown was credited with several company successes -- credit first assigned to him by his predecessor, the late Michael Palm in October 1995 when Mr.

Brown took over as president.

Mr. Palm, the company founder, said at the time, "David Brown has played a critical part in our tremendous growth, helping us to solidify our dominant position in the industry as the largest writer of finite reinsurance worldwide.

"As such, his promotion to president is simply formalising the role he has filled for some time. I know of no one better qualified to lead us forward in serving the financial community.'' Mr. Brown's meteoric rise came after being hired as senior vice president and chief accounting officer less than three years before.

In announcing his ascension to the presidency, the company said his numerous contributions to the firm's bottom line had earned him the title of executive vice president, just the year before.

Mr. Brown is also one of many insurance and reinsurance industry people, whose talents enabled them to garner a small fortune through the success they brought to their Bermuda market companies.

Although his resignation was related to a desire to spend more time with his family, people familiar with his work -- and his drive -- believe he is likely to end up in another challenging and dynamic corporate venture, sooner or later.

But his replacement at Centre Solutions will come at a strategic time for the firm, and its ultimate parent, the Zurich Group.

Already with more than a billion dollars a year in written premium, Centre Solutions is expected to be a key leader in furthering efforts to securitise insurance risk.