Ace Limited has appointed Giles Ward director of operations for the Middle East and North Africa.

Ward, who begins in the new post September 16, will report to Andrew Kendrick, chairman and chief executive of the company's European group. He will be based in a newly established regional office in Bahrain.

In the position, Ward will oversee business development in the region, including introduction of accident, health, property and casualty insurance products.

For the past five years, Ward has served as president and CEO of AXA's Malaysia subsidiary, AXA Affin General Insurance.

Ace, a Bermuda-based insurer and reinsurer, operates in more than 50 countries worldwide. The company earned $573 million last quarter.