Bermudian-based re/insurer Vantage Risk, has appointed Oliver Ross as head of Bermuda casualty to strengthen the company’s leadership team.

According to Reinsurance News, Mr Ross joined the Bermuda office with significant experience in underwriting, facultative reinsurance and broking.

For the past two years, he has been senior vice-president, North American construction casualty, at Lockton. Before that, he was underwriting director at Arch Re Facultative.

Reinsurance News said Mr Ross will now maintain the Bermuda casualty portfolio, contributing to Vantage Risk’s underwriting strategy and supporting relationships with insured clients and broker partners.

In December, Vantage Risk was purchased by Howard Hughes Holdings in an all-cash transaction valued at approximately $2.1 billion.

Howard Hughes, an American company, entered into a definitive agreement to acquire 100 per cent of privately held Vantage Group Holdings, backed by Carlyle and Hellman & Friedman.

In the wake of this news, AM Best placed the firm under review with developing implications, the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and the long-term issuer credit ratings of “a-” (Excellent) of Vantage Risk (Bermuda) and its affiliates, Vantage Risk Specialty Insurance and Vantage Risk Assurance (both domiciled in Wilmington, DE), which do business as Vantage Group.