new aerospace unit, the insurer said yesterday.

ACE senior vice president Gary Cooke will head the new division with Inken Gerlach, vice president, as his deputy, ACE said.

"We are witnessing an increasing number of strategic alliances within the aerospace industry,'' ACE executive vice president, underwriting Dominic Frederico said.

"The new combination will enable ACE to take full advantage of this synergy while aligning our structure more closely with that of the brokerage community.'' Mr. Cooke joined ACE in June 1995 as head of its aviation division. He has 26 years of experience in the Lloyd's of London company insurance market.

Ms Gerlach, who continues in her role as head of satellite underwriting, joined ACE in January 1995. She has over ten years of experience in the satellite industry.

As part of its diversification, ACE entered the satellite insurance business three years ago. Aviation product insurance was added in March 1995.