Global property and casualty insurer Chubb has appointed James Wixtead as Executive Chairman of its global reinsurance business, Chubb Tempest Re, and Michael O’Donnell as Senior Vice President, Chubb Group, and President of Chubb Tempest Re, succeeding Wixtead.
Chubb Tempest Re provides a broad range of traditional and specialty reinsurance products to a diverse portfolio of primary property and casualty insurers.
In his new role, Wixtead will provide governance oversight and advise on strategy for Chubb’s global reinsurance business.
He brings nearly 40 years of insurance industry experience. Prior to ACE’s acquisition of Chubb in January 2016, he served as President of ACE Tempest Re Group and was appointed Senior Vice President of ACE Group in July 2014. From 2005 to 2014, he served as Division President of ACE Tempest Re USA, where he was responsible for ACE’s traditional and non-traditional property and casualty reinsurance business in North America.
Wixtead currently serves as an advisor on the Board of Directors of ABR Re.
As President of Chubb Tempest Re, O’Donnell will assume day-to-day executive management responsibility for the business, including both top and bottom line.
He will report to Evan G. Greenberg, Chubb Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and John Keogh, President and Chief Operating Officer of Chubb Group.
O’Donnell has served as Division President of Chubb Tempest Re USA since 2014, overseeing Chubb’s domestic property and casualty assumed reinsurance operations.
He joined Chubb Tempest Re in 2006 as a casualty treaty underwriter and began his career at General Reinsurance Corp. as a casualty facultative underwriter.
“For over three decades in this industry, Jim has earned the confidence of clients and brokers around the world and instilled the underwriting discipline that defines how we operate,” said Greenberg. “I want to thank him for his years of contribution.”
Greenberg added, “Michael is an exceptional underwriter who has led our U.S. reinsurance operation with distinction for more than a decade. His command of this business and its complexities give me full confidence in his ability to grow our global reinsurance franchise.”
The leadership appointments are both effective 1 August 2026.
