Aspen Insurance Holdings Limited, the Bermudian-based re/insurer, has appointed Rob Houghton as group chief operating officer.

Mr Houghton, who will be based in London and join the group executive committee, will take up the role on January 3, succeeding Mike Cain ahead of his announced departure from Aspen in early 2022.

In his role, the company said, Mr Houghton will oversee Aspen’s group operations and IT strategy and work closely with the chief people and transformation officer and business line leaders to help to deliver on Aspen’s group-wide transformation programme.

Mr Houghton joins from MS Amlin, where he was group COO and, more recently, MS Amlin Business Services CEO.

He has more than 20 years of operations, IT and transformation experience across a range of sectors, Aspen said, including strong insurance experience.

The company said that Mr Houghton has lived and operated on a global basis with recent experience across North America and Europe.

Mark Cloutier, executive chairman and group chief executive officer, said: “In addition to strong expertise in managing operations and IT within the insurance sector, Rob has a proven track record in supporting and delivering change management projects, which will be highly relevant as we continue to drive positive, long-term, transformation at Aspen.

“At the same time, we’re pleased Mike is continuing with us until February to ensure a smooth handover. Mike has made a significant contribution to our business and been an invaluable source of advice and counsel, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”

Mr Houghton said: “Aspen is a highly regarded business undertaking an ambitious transformation and the opportunity to become part of their journey is a compelling one. I look forward to getting started and working closely with Mark and the team.”