Sompo International, the Bermudian-based global provider of commercial and consumer property and casualty re/insurance, has appointed Ralph Brand as president, Continental Europe.

In this role, Mr Brand will oversee Sompo International’s strategy in Continental Europe and enhance the offering to clients and distribution partners across the region.

“I’m delighted to welcome Ralph Brand to the Sompo International Europe team,” said Julian James, Sompo International’s CEO global markets, commercial P&C.

“Sompo has operated in Europe for over 50 years through our Japanese interest accounts. Four years ago, we started our pan-European professional lines offering and have strong ambitions to strengthen our commitment and expand our capabilities to brokers and clients across the continent.

“Ralph is ideally placed to drive our ambitions forward. His wealth of experience and commercial mindset will be invaluable as we expand and grow our business, leading with our core values and putting our clients and trading partners at the centre of everything we do.”

Mr Brand joins Sompo International with more than 35 years of international insurance experience, most recently as global head of casualty, financial lines & cyber for Zurich Insurance’s commercial insurance business.

He said: “I am thrilled to join the Sompo International team. It is a fantastic opportunity to lead the strategy for Continental Europe, as well as build out our offering for Sompo International in Europe as we continue to work towards making our sustainable growth ambitions a reality.”