It’s looking like a packed year for Christopher Gallagher at Sompo International Holdings.

Barely two months ago he was appointed as executive director on top of his existing remit as chief risk officer and group actuary of Sompo International’s commercial property and casualty (P&C) business. Now Gallagher, who joined the Bermuda-headquartered specialty (re)insurer in 2015, has been promoted to a newly created role.

Effective immediately, the seasoned executive will serve as CEO of commercial P&C – the Sompo International unit which employs more than 2,000 people globally and has an annual gross written premium of US$6 billion.   

“Chris brings global experience and a commercial perspective which will serve us well given the many challenges that our industry faces and which continue to evolve,” noted Nigel Frudd, chief executive of Sompo International and senior executive vice president and chairman of overseas M&A (mergers and acquisitions) for Sompo Holdings.

“Chris, along with Recai Dalas, who was recently promoted to chief executive officer of Sompo International’s retail business focused primarily on personal lines products, will be critical to leading Sompo International to become an even stronger global partner for our clients around the world.”

Gallagher, who started his career in the insurance and reinsurance industry in 1996, is a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries in the UK whose experience includes time spent at AXIS Capital and Ernst & Young LLP.    

“I am honoured to assume the role of CEO of SI’s commercial P&C business,” he commented. “Being part of this extraordinary leadership team since 2015, I think we have an exceptional opportunity as we continue to build Sompo International, creating even greater value for our clients, distribution partners, and the overall Sompo Group.”