Aspen Re has appointed Hannover Re executive Andrew Parker to lead its new Australian branch, while Swiss Re veteran Paul Wedlock joins as Senior Underwriter.

Both will be based in Sydney.

Mr Parker was previously head of the Australasian facultative branch and the Inter Hannover Australian branch for Hannover Re. He will report to Aspen Re Asia-Pacific MD Thomas Lillelund in Singapore.

Mr Parker has also worked for Employers Reinsurance Corporation/GE Insurance, Allianz Australia Insurance and MMI Insurance.

Mr Wedlock worked for Swiss Re Australia for 15 years, most recently as head of client markets property and casualty for Australia and New Zealand.

He has also worked for Munich Re Australasia and MMI General Insurance.

“[These] appointments will provide us with a local presence in Australia, which will be invaluable as we grow our business across the Asia-Pacific region,” Mr Lillelund said.

The appointments reflect “the continued investment we are making in our franchise”.

Aspen Re is the reinsurance arm of Bermuda-based Aspen Insurance Holdings.