of property catastrophe reinsurer Mid Ocean Reinsurance.

Mid Ocean president Mr. Ian Heap said Mr. Michael A. Butt has been appointed vice chairman with responsibility for general administration and worldwide marketing in a move aimed at strengthening management of the company, which was formed last November.

Mr. Butt has been a director of Phoenix Securities Ltd. since March 1992.

He was previously chairman and chief executive officer of Eagle Star Insurance and a member of the board of directors of BAT Industries.

Before joining Eagle Star in 1987, Mr. Butt was chairman of Sedgwick Ltd. and deputy chairman of the Sedgwick Group plc.

"The appointment of Michael Butt is another step in Mid Ocean's strategy to broaden and strengthen our management structure and, thus, our operating capabilities,'' Mr. Heap said. "Michael Butt is one of the most well-known and respected insurance executives, and we are fortunate to have him join us.''