chief executive and the promotion of several employees.

In making the promotion announcements, Mr. Brian O'Hara, chairman, president and CEO said: "I believe that our staff are the company's most important asset and it gives me great pleasure in announcing these promotions.

"In addition, I have created the office of the chief executive and have asked Robert J. Cooney and Brian G. Walford, the company's executive vice presidents to join me in this office so that we can work together on all company wide issues.

"Specific areas of responsibility will be divided into two broad categories.

Bob Cooney will be responsible for underwriting, claims and marketing operations. Brian Walford will be responsible for all financial, investment, systems, administration, human resources, investor relations and corporate planning functions.'' XL's staff has grown to 78 in Bermuda in the last year, with the addition of eight new employees. There are 25 staff in Ireland.

The promotions, which took effect, on December 1 included Mrs. Diana Downs, Mrs. Cathy Duffy and Mrs. Beth Piggott being made vice presidents in the general liability underwriting department.

Mrs. Page Grundmuller has been moved up to underwriter, and Ms Patricia Pitcher and Ms Sonja Warner to technical assistant.

In the claims department, Ms Pamela Martin has been appointed deputy manager, Ms Lesleen Swan and Ms Victoria Zelkin become senior administrative assistants.

In finance and administration, Mr. Alan Pailing has been appointed vice president and manager of management information systems and Mr. Eugene Phillips has become analyst programmer.

Mr. Michael Siese has been promoted to vice president and group controller, Mr. Christopher Coelho and Mr. Michael Foster have become assistant vice presidents and controllers for investment operations and insurance operations respectively.

Ms Jennifer Grant has been named executive assistant to Mr. O'Hara.

XL PROMOTIONS -- Pictured From left to right are executive vice president Mr.

Brian Walford, Mr. Chris Coelho, Ms Pamela Martin, Mr. Michael Siese, Ms Lesleen Swan, Mr. Michael Foster, Ms Patricia Pitcher, Mr. Eugene Phillips, Mrs. Beth Piggott, Ms Sonja Warner, Ms Jennifer Grant and chairman, president and CEO Mr. Brian O'Hara. Seated are Ms Diana Downs, Mr. Alan Pailing, Ms Victoria Zelkin and Mrs. Cathy Duffy.