Richard Bruens, executive vice-president and head of investor relations at ABN AMRO, is joining Renaissance Group's executive committee as head of strategy, communications and investor relations from August 1.

"Richard will lead the Group's strategic planning, marketing, communications and investor relations activities, critically important responsibilities as we continue building new businesses and competing in high-opportunity emerging markets around the world," said Stephen Jennings, Renaissance Group chairman and chief executive officer.

"In Richard we have secured a proven emerging markets financial specialist and one of Europe's best communications practitioners in the banking industry."

Prior to his investor relations position, Mr. Bruens was the head of financial markets for Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa for ABN AMRO, which included responsibility for all trading, sales and origination activities in Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, Romania, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Dubai and South Africa.

He also served as treasurer for Saudi Hollandi Bank, in Riyadh from 1998 until 2002.

XL Insurance has promoted Alex Blanco to the position of chief underwriting officer and head of its Design professional group.

The group is a specialised underwriting unit dedicated to providing professional liability insurance, loss prevention education and claims services to architects and engineers.

Mr. Blanco will be based in XL Insurance's Exton, Pennsylvania office.

Commenting on Mr. Blanco's promotion, chief underwriting officer of XL Insurance's Global Professional operations John Glancy said: "Alex's proven management skills within our team and his deep understanding of the professional liability risks faced by this industry make him a strong and worthy leader for our Design Professional group.

"Alex understands our distinct business model that addresses the professional liability needs of architects and engineers, not only with quality insurance coverage, but with a special emphasis on loss prevention education and dedicated claims expertise as well. It is a model that continues to gain high satisfaction marks from our clients.

"Under Alex's leadership, and with the continued support of our dedicated Professional Liability Agent Network agents, we will reinforce our leadership position in this market."

Mr. Blanco has over fifteen years of experience in providing underwriting, risk management and loss prevention services to the architecture and engineering community.

Prior to joining XL Insurance, he held senior positions at Liberty International Underwriters, Marsh, and Royal and Sun Alliance.