Catalina picks former Big Four managing director as CEO of US business

Bermuda-based legacy specialist  Catalina Holdings has revealed new chief executive officers (CEOs) for Asia and the US, including the hiring of a former managing director of a Big Four accounting firm.

The company has appointed Loh Wei-Lyn (pictured left) as CEO of Asia and Luann Petrellis (pictured right) as CEO of the US.

Wei-Lyn assumes the CEO role of Asia from Martin Kauer, who has retired. Wei-Lyn was the chief corporate officer prior to her last held role as chief operating officer under  Catalina for Asia. She was responsible for enhancing the internal organisation processes and infrastructure in the day-to-day operations while supporting the company’s strategy and objectives.

Wei-Lyn has over 20 years of headquarters and regional management experience across public and private sectors and will work with Malcolm Steingold to seek new opportunities in the Asian market.

Petrellis joins  Catalina taking over the role from Amy Gallent who will be retiring later in the year. Petrellis’s most recent experience was as an independent industry advisor and consultant, with a particular focus on insurance restructuring legislation in the US market. Prior roles involved working with leading insurance companies managing their legacy liabilities and she has been involved in transactions for all lines of business to significantly achieve operational efficiencies, make more efficient use of capital and give economic finality to cedents. Prior to that, Petrellis held the role of managing director, Philadelphia, at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

Ian Parker,  Catalina’s group chief executive officer, said: “We are thrilled to announce the internal promotion of Wei-Lyn as the CEO of Asia. Her drive and knowledge of the company will be invaluable. Amy has been a fantastic leader of our U.S. companies and we wish her all the best for the future. Bringing someone of Luann’s reputation, knowledge and expertise into  Catalina was not one to be missed and we are excited to have her on board.  The fact we can attract someone like Luann demonstrates the exciting future ahead.  Together they will work with the rest of the Executive Team to execute the strategy agreed by the board and shareholders Apollo and RenaissanceRe. The team at  Catalina is a very strong one, and I am proud to lead them.”

Wei-Lyn commented: “Asia is a key growth region for  Catalina, and I am privileged to be able lead an experienced and competent team in Singapore with Malcolm to chart the path for  Catalina Asia as a leading retrospective transactions provider for Asia, Middle East and Australasia.”

Petrellis added: “I am excited to be joining  Catalina and already feel part of the team.  Catalina has an exciting future, and I am thrilled to be a part of the Group. My recent experience in the changing face of regulation and legislation in the US will bring new opportunities for  Catalina, ones that I hope we can work with cedent partners on together.”

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