ACE Limited announced that its chief operating officer Dominic Frederico is scheduled to speak at the 32nd Annual Banc of America Securities Investment Conference in San Francisco.

The presentation will take place on Thursday, September 26, 7:30 am Pacific daylight time. A live Web cast of the presentation will be available at www.acelimited.com.

XL Capital Ltd. announced yesterday that Nicholas J. Metcalf, CEO of XL London Market Group Ltd., has been additionally named chief executive of XL's marine and offshore energy operations.

Steve Cullen, who was responsible for XL's marine and offshore energy lines in North America, has been promoted to president of XL's marine and offshore energy operations, serving as global practice leader for the product.

XL also announced that its US marine and offshore energy operations, previously part of Brockbank Insurance Services, Inc. will be operating under the trade name of XL Marine and Offshore Energy as a division of XL Specialty Insurance Company.

Nicholas M. Brown Jr., chief executive of XL's insurance operations said: "I am gratified that Nick Metcalf and Steve Cullen, both highly regarded professionals in the marine and offshore energy market, have accepted these added responsibilities.

"I fully expect that Nick, Steve, and the underwriting teams in London, New York and Neufchatel, Switzerland, will achieve great success in today's dynamic marketplace and will capitalise on the tremendous opportunities in marine and offshore energy worldwide."

Nicholas J. Metcalf, who will also continue to serve as the leader of XL London Market Group Ltd., XL's Lloyds operation said: "I have known Steve Cullen for many years, and I have worked closely with him in connection with XL's global marine practice since he joined XL two years ago.

"The company is fortunate to have such a talented professional in the global marine and energy practice."

XL Capital Ltd. announced yesterday that the company's space and aviation operations, previously part of Brockbank Insurance Services, Inc. will be operating under the trade name of XL Aerospace, a division of XL Specialty Insurance Company and part of the XL Insurance operations.

Charles Rudd, chief executive of XL aerospace said: "The trade name change to XL Aerospace is intended to enhance the clarity of our capabilities, expertise, and focus in space and aviation insurance.

"We have knowledgeable and experienced underwriting teams in space and aviation, backed by the reputation and financial strength that are associated with the XL name."

XL Aerospace executive vice president Inken Gerlach added: "We hold a very distinct position in the marketplace.

"Our proven success is based on significant expertise in understanding our clients' risks and developing insurance programs to meet their needs.

"Operating as XL Aerospace, we will continue to bring our clients responsive and innovative risk management solutions."

Stirling Cooke Brown Holdings Limited reported yesterday that Peter S. Christie has resigned as a director of the Company, effective immediately.

Mr. Christie stated that he has resigned because of his intention to accept a position that would be incompatible with his continued service on the Stirling Cooke Board of Directors.

Stephen A. Crane, chairman, president and CEO of Stirling Cooke, said: "Peter Christie has been an excellent director and strong supporter of the Company since his election to the Board two years ago.

"We will miss his valuable contributions but wish him well in his future endeavours."

The company added that it has no current intention to replace Mr. Christie on the Board, which now has seven members, four of which are non- executive.

Foster Wheeler Ltd. yesterday announced that James D. Woods, chairman emeritus, past president and chief executive officer of Baker Hughes, Inc., Houston, Texas, has been elected to its board of directors.

With the election of Woods to the board, the total number of company directors is 11.

Baker Hughes is one of the largest companies in the oilfield services industry.

Woods' career at Baker Hughes and its predecessor companies spanned 41 years of service.

He served as president of several Baker affiliates, and was the driving force behind the creation of Baker Hughes through the merger of Baker International and the Hughes Tool Company in 1987.

He was elected president and chief executive officer of the merged company, and also assumed its chairmanship in 1989.

Woods retired as a director and chairman of the board on January 22, 1997.

Woods serves on the boards of OMI Corporation, Varco International, ESCO Technol-ogies, USEC Inc., and Integrated Electrical Services.

He also serves as an advisor to SCF Partners in Houston, Texas.

Woods, 71, served four years in the United States Air Force. He holds a B.S. degree in business administration from California State University at Fullerton.

In addition, he is past president of the Petroleum Equipment Suppliers Association and the National Ocean Industries Association, a trustee of the National Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and a lifetime director of the YMCA of greater Houston.