Pan-African focused re/insurance group Africa Specialty Risks (ASR) has announced the appointment of Ciaran O’Donnell as Chief Financial Officer following co-founder Bryan Howett’s decision to step down from the role 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 three decades 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.
In addition, O’Donnell qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Coopers & Lybrand in Dublin in 1990.
He commented on his new role, stating, “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.”
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/insurance 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.”
Shah continued, “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.”
