Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. has announced that Albert Benchimol will join the company as chief financial officer next year.

Mr. Benchimol, who will take up his new post on January 17, 2011, will also join the company's executive committee and report directly to John Charman, CEO and president of Axis.

Mr. Benchimol has served as executive vice-president and chief financial officer at PartnerRe Ltd. since 2000.

Earlier this year Partner Re announced that chief operating officer Costas Miranthis would succeed Patrick Thiele as CEO of the company effective from January 1, 2011.

In 2007, Mr. Benchimol took on the additional role of CEO of PartnerRe Ltd.'s capital markets group. His retirement from PartnerRe Ltd. will be effective from December 31, 2010. Prior to joining PartnerRe, Mr. Benchimol served as senior vice-president and treasurer at Reliance Group Holdings Inc.

Mr. Benchimol holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing and a BS in Physiology and Immunology from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Mr. Charman said: "I am delighted that we have attracted such a highly respected and seasoned professional to the position of chief financial officer at Axis Capital.

"At this important time in the company's continuing strong development, Albert brings to this position extensive international finance and investments expertise, proven management skills and strategic finance and risk management acumen.

"I very much welcome Albert and look forward to having him as a key partner working closely with me and my colleagues at Axis Capital."

Mr. Benchimol said: "I have long respected the progress that Axis Capital has achieved since its inception in 2001. I am excited and energised to join John Charman, Michael Butt and the rest of the talented management team at Axis Capital as the company continues to create value for its clients, shareholders and employees."