Corporate secretary Kirstin Romann Gould has been appointed as General Counsel of XL Capital.

She replaces Charley Barr who will be leaving XL this month.

In addition to her new role, Ms. Gould will continue to carry out her responsibilities as company secretary.

Ms. Gould originally joined XL in 2000 as Associate General Counsel, and became chief corporate legal officer and corporate secretary in 2004. She was promoted to the newly formed position of General Counsel - Corporate Affairs and joined XL's executive management board in 2006. Prior to joining XL, Ms. Gould was associated with the law firms of Clifford Chance and Dewey Ballantine in New York and London.

XL chief of staff Fiona Luck said: "I am pleased that Kirstin has accepted the role of General Counsel. Her knowledge and experience within the company have been invaluable. I would like to thank Charley Barr for his contributions to XL over the last five years and wish him success in the future."