Artex Risk Solutions has named Dawn Hiestand as its new chief underwriting officer and head of captives, placing her in charge of the company’s North American captive and underwriting operations, including in Bermuda, the Cayman Islands and the United States.

According to Captive International, Ms Hiestand brings more than 19 years of experience from Zurich North America, where she most recently served as executive vice-president and head of captives. At Zurich, she oversaw strategy, business performance and operations for a wide range of group captives, including member-owned and fronted structures.

At Artex, she will be responsible for leading the captive, benefits and underwriting segments across North America, managing growth strategy, financial performance and business operations. Her remit includes product development, market management and merger and acquisition activity within the sector.

Artex said Ms Hiestand will play a key role in shaping the company’s strategic direction, with direct profit-and-loss responsibility for its captive and underwriting business.