Bermuda-based Axis Capital Holdings Limited yesterday announced that the company?s board of directors has elected Geoffrey Bell to its board.

Bell, 66, is currently president of Geoffrey Bell and Company formed in 1982 as a consultant to major corporations and banks internationally providing advice on capital market transactions as well as undertaking economic, financial and country risk analysis.

From 1987 to 1993, he was chairman of Guinness Mahon Holdings, one of London?s oldest merchant banks. He began his merchant banking career at Schroders in 1969 and became a director of Schroders as well as an executive vice president of J. Henry Schroder Bank in New York working on the international expansion of the group.

Between 1966 and 1969, he served as Economic Advisor to the British Embassy in Washington. Axis chairman Michael Butt commented: ?We are pleased to welcome Geoffrey to Axis Capital?s Board of Directors. I am delighted that Geoffrey is joining our Board. His immense wealth of knowledge and depth of experience of the international financial markets will be of significant value to our Board as we continue to develop our global franchise.?

Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited is set to lose two if its senior executives, the company said yesterday.

Nick Bonnar, Head of specialty insurance, and Ian Beaton, head of insurance, have resigned to take up new positions in the industry, Aspen said.

Mr. Beaton will leave with immediate effect and it is expected that Mr. Bonnar will remain with the company until the expiration of his notice period in March, 2007, according to a statement from the company.

A further announcement regarding succession arrangements will be made in due course.

Chris O?Kane, Aspen?s chief executive said: ?One of the founding principles of Aspen is the strength and depth of our underwriting talent.

?Within our specialty lines and insurance portfolios we have teams of talented underwriters, many of whom are acknowledged leaders in their particular fields.

?As a result, brokers and clients can continue to expect the same high levels of service from Aspen.

?I would like to take this opportunity to thank Nick and Ian for their contributions to the Company.

?We wish them every success for the future.?