Former AIG/Argo CFO takes helm at Africa Specialty Risks as co-founder exits

Pan-African re/insurer  Africa Specialty Risks (ASR) has appointed a new chief financial officer (CFO) having more than 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry as CFO/C-suite executive and board member, including at AIG, Argo and FM Global.

Ciaran O’Donnell (pictured) joins ASR as CFO replacing Bryan Howett, the company's co-founder and chief financial officer who has decided to step down from his position to pursue other opportunities.

O’Donnell is an experienced CFO with extensive international financial and operational knowledge in the insurance industry, having spent more than 30 years in the sector. He has worked at US multinational insurers, in the Lloyd’s market and in the mutual insurance sector, having held senior finance roles at AIG, GE, ProSight, Argo and FM Global. O’Donnell spent nearly 12 years at AIG between 1990 and 2002.

Mikir Shah, chief executive of ASR, said: “We are very grateful to Bryan for his commitment and hard work in founding ASR as a successful Pan-African focussed (re)einsurance group. With his input, ASR has grown and developed into a business recognised across Africa and within the insurance market and we will always be grateful to Bryan for his contribution. We wish him well and he will always be part of the ASR family.”

“We are delighted to welcome Ciaran to the team. He brings a wealth of knowledge and significant expertise to the team. We look forward to working with him as we grow ASR and progress into the next phase of development.”

O’Donnell commented: “I am delighted to be joining the ASR team at what is undoubtedly a very exciting time for the business. Following a successful start-up phase, where ASR has become firmly established within the African insurance market, there is tremendous potential for further growth and development of the business. I look forward to working with the team to build on what has been achieved so far, and to continue what promises to be an exciting journey.”

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