Following the passing of Antares CEO Michael van der Straaten, Ahmed El Tabbakh, Group Chief Business Officer – International for QIC, the parent company of Antares, will take on the interim leadership of the Antares businesses while a new leadership structure is finalised.
Antares said in a statement on Monday, ”It is with great sadness that we announce that Michael van der Straaten, chief executive of Antares, passed away unexpectedly this weekend following a short illness.
”Antares and QIC’s thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences are with Mike’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Van der Straaten had more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry, holding senior roles across several firms, including Europa Re, Canopius Group and Chubb.
He later became chief executive of Qatar Insurance Company’s European reinsurance arm, overseeing its transformation into Antares, before being appointed chief executive of the business in 2020.
In the wake of his passing, Ahmed El Tabbakh will lead the Antares businesses on an interim basis while the company finalises its longer-term leadership arrangements.
El Tabbakh joined QIC Group in 2011 and has more than nine years of industry experience. He is described as having a broad range of knowledge and expertise across audit, advisory and financial services, serving clients in a wide variety of industries.
Before joining QIC Group, El Tabbakh worked in audit and advisory roles at KPMG in Qatar and Egypt.
