Hugh Burke (pictured), who came onboard Coface in 2016 as Asia-Pacific chief commercial officer, is now the insurer’s chief executive for the region.

In its announcement, the trade credit insurance provider said the CEO appointment came into effect on April 01. Burke’s new role sees the Hong Kong-based leader join the French company’s group executive committee.

Coface, which is led globally by chief executive Xavier Durand, stated about Burke: “His valuable expertise in client service and business development will be a strong asset to lead the region in the coming years.”

Previously the head of the trade credit business at Aon Asia, Burke has over two decades of trade credit insurance industry experience. He took over from Bhupesh Gupta, who was at the helm of Coface Asia-Pacific for six years.