Hong Kong News

AXA Asia-Pacific Returns to Profit; No Comments on Takeover Bids

Takeover target AXA Asia-Pacific’s promise of strong growth in 2010 prompted analysts to suggest suitors may consider raising their bids for the firm but top officials declined comment on the $12 billion tussle. Insurer AXA Asia-Pacific, which is being circled …

Why AIG Omitted JP Morgan from Underwriters for Life Insurer IPO

American International Group Inc. turned down JPMorgan’s attempts to get in on the estimated $10 billion Hong Kong IPO of its Asian life insurance unit, sources involved with the deal said on Friday, in a snub partly stemming from soured …

People

Willis Group Holdings extended the contract of its chairman and CEO Joseph J. Plumeri until July 7, 2013. His previous agreement was set to expire on the date of the company’s annual meeting in April 2011. Global property/casualty insurer Chartis …

Catlin Appoints Zingg Group Chief Investment Officer

The Bermuda-based Catlin Group Limited announced the appointment of Martin Zingg as chief investment officer of the Catlin Group, effective March 1. He will be based in Catlin’s office in Zurich, Switzerland. Zingg will assume responsibility for investment strategy and …

Best Assigns ‘A’ Ratings to Starr International Insurance (Asia)

A.M. Best Co. has assigned a financial strength rating of ‘A’ (Excellent) and an issuer credit rating (ICR) of “a” to Hong Kong–based Starr International Insurance (Asia) Limited – both with stable outlooks. Best said the ratings reflect Starr International …

Political, Financial Risk Levels Continue High in 2010, Says Aon

Political and financial instability remain a feature of the business landscape as a result of the recession, according to Aon Risk Services, the global risk management and insurance brokerage business of Aon Corp. The company launched its 17th annual Political …

People

Colemont Insurance Brokers has promoted Tara Plourde to broker in the company’s Hartford, Connecticut office. She joined Colemont in 2008. Prior to Colemont, she was a commercial lines underwriter at a standard lines carrier. She specializes in casualty accounts, focusing …

AXA Asia Pacific Profit Upgrade Stirs Talk of Higher Bid

Life insurer and fund manager AXA Asia-Pacific Holdings Ltd expects to report a forecast-beating profit for 2009, putting pressure on rival bidders to raise their offers in a $12 billion battle for the company. AXA Asia-Pacific, which is being circled …

Chartis Names Swiss Re’s Scherer as General Counsel

Global property/casualty insurer Chartis Inc., formerly AIG, has named Thomas Scherer as senior vice president and general counsel, responsible for worldwide legal operations. Most recently, Scherer worked for seven years at Swiss Re Group where he served as special litigation …

People

Beecher Carlson expanded its National Energy practice by appointing Jacklyn Kearns senior vice president. Kearns has 28 years of insurance and risk management experience. She joins Charlie Pierpont in Beecher Carlson’s Darien, Conn., office. Prior to that, she served as …