Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd. has announced the introduction of a new corporate structure, with the management of its insurance and reinsurance businesses under two separate brands - Aspen Insurance and Aspen Reinsurance. The move will allow Aspen to place a greater emphasis on client service, with an increased focus on the regional markets in which it operates. Under the reorganisation, Aspen's insurance operations will comprise primarily its existing international and US insurance divisions.

Rupert Villers, global head of financial and professional lines insurance, has been appointed CEO of Aspen Insurance.

Bill Murray, president of Aspen's US insurance division will continue to lead that segment. Aspen's reinsurance business will comprise three divisions, property, casualty and specialty reinsurance.

Brian Boornazian has been appointed CEO of Aspen Reinsurance and James Few has been appointed president of Aspen Reinsurance.

"We are always looking for ways to best serve our clients and we believe creating two distinct identities for our insurance and reinsurance businesses will help to further enhance the excellent service our clients have come to expect from Aspen," said Chris O'Kane, Aspen's CEO.

As part of the reorganisation, Julian Cusack will assume the role of group chief risk officer. Mr. Cusack previously served as chief operating officer. Mr. Cusack will remain chairman and CEO of Aspen Insurance Ltd., roles he has held since November 2006 and June 2002, respectively.

In addition, he will continue to chair Aspen's reserving committee.

• Aspen Insurance UK Ltd. (AIUK), Aspen Insurance Ltd. (AIL) and Aspen Specialty Insurance Company (ASIC) have all been affirmed the financial strength ratings of A (excellent) and the issuer credit ratings (ICR) of "a" by AM Best Co.

Best has also affirmed the ICR of "bbb" of Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd. (Aspen), the non-operating holding company of the Aspen group of companies, and the ratings of "bbb" on the $250 million six percent senior unsecured notes, "bb+" on the $133 million perpetual non-cumulative preference shares and "bb+" on the $230 million perpetual preferred income equity replacement securities, all issued by Aspen.