XL Insurance yesterday named Mike Martin as chief property underwriter for the Americas and also appointed former broker James Martin to be its new client relationship manager in its London office.

Commenting on the US appointment by the global insurance arm of Bermuda-based XL Capital, John Gallagher, XL Insurance's chief underwriting officer for global property, said: "Mike's appointment is well-deserved.

"It underscores his solid track record for profitable underwriting and his commitment to providing XL Insurance clients with appropriate property coverages, risk engineering and loss prevention guidance."

Mike Martin was previously XL Insurance's Property Underwriting Manager for the southeastern US and Latin America. He joined XL Insurance in 2001 when XL acquired Winterthur International. His previous underwriting experience with XL included a stint in Bermuda.

James Martin, who has been appointed XL Insurance's client relationship manager in London office, was previously the UK head of placement for the private equity, and mergers and acquisitions practice at Marsh Ltd. in London.