Bermuda-based Hiscox is to lose its chief operating officer Sue Langley, who will take a post with Lloyd's in the summer.

She will take the post of Lloyd's director, market operations and North America, and will manage the Lloyd's offices in the US and Canada.

Lloyd's said yesterday that Ms Langley would play a key role in "enhancing the market's operational competitiveness and ensuring a focus on North American business".

Lloyd's chief executive officer Richard Ward said: "I am delighted that Sue has joined us. She is well respected throughout the market and has a strong track record. One of my key priorities is to ensure that Lloyd's is as competitive as possible and remains a highly attractive place to do business."

He indicated Langley would "play a vital role" in growing Lloyd's North American presence, and would be assuming responsibility for business that "represents some 40 percent of our income and therefore requires a proper focus".

Ms Langley called the prospects an "exciting time at Lloyd's as it moves towards a truly modern marketplace."

Ms Langley joined Hiscox in 1998 as chief information officer, and was appointed group operations director in 2001. In 2004, she became chief operating officer.