Bermudian-based specialty insurance underwriter, Argo Group International Holdings Ltd have appointed Scott Kirk as chief financial officer.

The appointment becomes effective March 1.

Argo said Mr Kirk will succeed Jay Bullock, whose planned departure from the company was announced last year, pending the identification of a successor.

Thomas A Bradley, board chairman of Argo Group, said: “Scott’s deep expertise in the specialty insurance business and vast experience in finance is a strong fit for Argo as we look to pursue profitable growth and increased shareholder value. We are confident in Scott’s leadership and proud to have him on the team.”

Kevin Rehnberg, chief executive officer of Argo Group, said: “Scott has a tremendous background serving in similar roles within the specialty insurance industry. This is an exciting time to join Argo as we build on and execute plans to continue to grow as a leading US-focused specialty insurer.”

He added: “We would like to thank Jay for his long tenure and numerous contributions to the company. We wish him all the best in the future.”

Mr Kirk joins Argo from Aspen Insurance Holdings Ltd, where he served as chief financial officer from 2014 until last April. Prior to that, Mr Kirk served in several senior finance roles from 2007 until 2014, including as chief financial officer of Aspen’s insurance business.

Before joining Aspen, Mr Kirk held several senior finance roles at Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd between 2002 and 2007, including financial controller for the company’s UK operations and group head of internal audit.

Having graduated from Queensland University of Technology, Mr Kirk started his career as an auditor at KPMG, Brisbane. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England, Wales and Australia.