Matthew Kirk has taken over as chief financial officer of Axis Capital, completing a planned transition, the company said.

The Bermudian-based specialty insurer and reinsurer announced that Mr Kirk would report directly to Vince Tizzio, the chief executive officer of Axis, serve on the company’s Executive Committee, and be based in New York.

Mr Kirk, whose appointment is effective March 31, succeeds Peter Vogt as CFO. The transition plan was first announced last August.

Mr Vogt, who was with Axis for 16 years, is to leave the company and will no longer stay on as a strategic adviser through year-end, as had been previously announced.

Mr Kirk joined Axis from Enstar Group, where he served as CFO overseeing the company’s global finance functions. Previously, he also held senior leadership roles at Sirius International Insurance Group, including group treasurer and president and managing director of Sirius Investment Advisors. He began his career at Arthur Andersen as an assurance and business advisory manager.

“We are proud and excited to appoint Matt as our CFO, and grateful to him and Pete for their partnership in leading a seamless transition process,” said Mr Tizzio. “In his four months serving as a strategic adviser, Matt has already demonstrated tremendous value to our organisation.

“He brings deep financial leadership experience on a global scale, a strong understanding of the property-and-casualty insurance sector, and a management style that aligns with our values.”

Mr Tizzio added that Mr Vogt had been “instrumental in advancing our multiyear transformation and positioning the company for sustained profitable growth”.

Mr Kirk said he was honoured to take the CFO role. “Axis has made significant progress in recent years in executing its specialty underwriting strategy and I look forward to building on that momentum alongside Vince, the leadership team, and Axis colleagues globally.”