Argo Names Bullock Group CFO

The Bermuda-based Argo Group International Holdings Ltd. announced that Jay S. Bullock will join the Group as chief financial officer, effective May 13. He will be based in Bermuda and will report directly to Argo Group President and CEO Mark E. Watson III.

Bullock joins Argo Group from Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. where he was senior managing director and head of Bear Stearns’ Insurance Investment Banking Group. He has focused on the insurance sector for over 20 years, and has advised on a number of company acquisitions, mergers and sales as well as all forms of public and private financings and restructurings. While at Bear Stearns, he was an advisor to Argonaut Group, Argo Group’s predecessor company, on a number of transactions.

Watson indicated that he was delighted the Bullock is joining Argo and cited his “extensive experience advising companies in the financial services sector and in-depth knowledge of the insurance industry” as an “invaluable as we continue to evolve as a leading international specialty underwriter.”

Watson also thanked Mark Haushill “for assuming the responsibilities of interim Group CFO as we conducted our search to fill this critical role at the Company. As CFO of our U.S. operations, Mark will work with Jay and me as we structure the Finance function group-wide.”

Bullock noted that he and Watson have “worked together for several years and he and his team have established an impressive track record for thoughtful and diligent execution of the Company’s strategic plan. Expanding beyond its well-established roots in the U.S. specialty business through the merger with PXRE Group Ltd. and the acquisition of Heritage Underwriting Agency plc, Argo Group has built a multi-faceted and competitive business platform. I am very pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the organization’s further success.”

Source: Argo Group – www.argolimited.com