Max Capital Group Ltd. yesterday has appointed Kevin Werle as executive vice-president and chief risk officer.

Mr. Werle, an experienced insurance industry veteran who most recently served as vice-president responsible for risk management, information technology, and quantitative research for New England Asset Management, Inc., a unit of Berkshire Hathaway's General Reinsurance Corporation, assumes responsibility for certain functions previously performed by executive vice-president and chief operating officer Peter Minton or by executive vice-president, finance and investments, Jim Tees.

Before joining the Berkshire Hathaway organisation in 1998, Mr. Werle, 45, was managing director and chief operating officer of Hartford Investment Management Company and its affiliate, Hartford Investor Services.

Marston (Marty) Becker, chairman and chief executive officer of Max Capital, said: "We are very pleased to add Kevin's superior expertise to Max's already robust risk management and analytical capabilities. In the current marketplace we believe significant depth in these areas will ultimately benefit our shareholders."