Willis Re has appointed Michael Harden as Asia-Pacific President following a period as CEO of the company’s Bermuda operations.

It marks a return to the region for Mr Harden, who became CEO of the Australian arm in 2007 and chairman in 2013.

Following his appointment as CEO of Bermuda, he remained non-executive chairman of Willis Re Australia.

Chris McDowell will take over as head of Willis Re Bermuda from January 1.

“Mike has developed a strong team and a solid foundation for continued growth, fully aligned to Willis Re’s global office network,” Global CEO John Cavanagh said. “His return to Asia-Pacific to support our existing leadership team will likewise further our growth activities and the delivery of Willis Re’s global offering to clients as these markets continue to build momentum.”

Mr Harden has four decades’ experience in property and casualty reinsurance and specialty accounts, beginning his career at Willis Re in London in 1976.

Mr McDowell was most recently at Aon Benfield, where he was CEO of Global ReSpecialty in Bermuda.