Argus Group Holdings Ltd. today announced the appointment of chief operating officer Alison Hill as its new CEO, effective from January 1.Gerald Simons, formerly president and CEO, will stay on as president of the company.The decision to expand Ms Hill's role was to ensure a smooth transition in preparation for the anticipated retirement of Mr Simons next year.Argus said it was also making the leadership change to ensure its long-term sustainability and to allow the company to focus on important special projects, including the social, economic and regulatory issues arising from a difficult economic climate and increased regulatory oversight.Mr Simons will be particularly focused on the proposed changes to the healthcare system due to take place over the next two years. In addition, he will ensure the continuity of certain key client relationships.Having joined Argus in March 2009, Ms Hill will ensure the continuity of management of the company as it moves ahead with its strategic business objectives. She will provide overall leadership, oversee the day-to-day operations and implement the strategic plan of the Argus Group.Sheila Nicoll, chairman of the Argus Group, said: “Alison and Gerald have been working closely with the board during the last 18 months to implement the strategic plan for the company. Therefore she was the natural choice for the CEO role as we move forward with a number of key strategic and operational initiatives”.Meanwhile Everard Barclay Simmons was appointed as a director of Argus at the board meeting held on December 9, 2010. Mr Simmons, a lawyer, is managing partner of Attride-Stirling & Woloniecki, a position he has held since January 2006. He has also worked for Goldman Sachs & Company in New York as an investment banker.Mr Simmons currently sits on the Public Funds Investment Committee, responsible for the allocation of $1.2 billion of funds for the Bermuda Government and the residents of Bermuda. Mr Simmons also sits on the board of directors of the Bermuda Monetary Authority.Ms Nicoll continued: “I'm delighted to welcome Barclay to the board. I am confident that his legal, investment banking and senior management experience will be invaluable to the Argus Group.”