Bermuda-based insurer Endurance Specialty?s US arm is forming a new underwriting unit to specialise in agribusiness reinsurance.

Endurance?s new division will provide traditional reinsurance for crops and livestock, as well as having a focus on the development of specialty yield and revenue products for the agricultural industry.

Roger Heckman, formerly of Converium, will lead the unit. The Agribusiness Unit will also include Catherine Besselman, Gregg Evans, William Fischer and Bin Zhang.

President of Endurance Reinsurance Corporation of America William Jewett said: ?Roger Heckman and his team are recognised leaders in the development of innovative risk transfer products for the agricultural industry, and they bring to Endurance a wealth of experience and market knowledge. Their specialised approach to the business and their continuous focus on the changing needs of the marketplace fit exceptionally well with our overall strategy.

?This new specialty business unit will be an excellent complement to our existing businesses.?

Mr. Heckman, who joins Endurance?s US platform as a senior vice-president, said: ?We are committed to establishing a leadership position in the development of risk transfer products within the agricultural industry. We plan to position ourselves as a responsive, creative, and innovative market. Endurance?s commitment to market specialisation and focus on the development of superior analytical capabilities are fully consistent with what is critical to achieving success in this segment.?