London, 06 January 2023 – Africa Specialty Risks (“ASR”), the pan-African focused (re)insurance group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ciaran O’Donnell as Chief Financial Officer.
Ciaran is an experienced CFO with extensive international financial and operational knowledge in the insurance industry, having spent more than 30 years in the sector. Ciaran 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. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Coopers & Lybrand in Dublin in 1990.
Bryan Howett, co-founder and Chief Financial Officer of Africa Specialty Risks, has decided to step down from his position to pursue other opportunities.
Mikir Shah, Chief Executive of ASR, commented: “We are very grateful to Bryan for his commitment and hard work in founding ASR as a successful Pan-African focussed (re)einsurance 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.”
“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 in to the next phase of development.”
Ciaran O’Donnell commented: “I am delighted to be joining the ASR team at what is undoubtably 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.”
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Media Enquiries
Mikir Shah, CEO
Ciaran O’Donnell, CFO
Heather Armstrong
Tim Pearson
Katie Hopkins
asr@tavistock.co.uk
About ASR
Africa Specialty Risks (ASR) provides comprehensive risk transfer solutions through high quality underwriting to local and global customers across the African continent, giving them the confidence to grow their businesses sustainably.
ASR works proactively with local regulators to develop skills and provide training to local underwriters. Environmental, social, and governance considerations are central to ASR’s values, particularly in relation to local capacity building.
ASR is backed by Helios Investment Partners’ Fund IV and benefits from their extensive reach across Africa, as well as their knowledge and experience in our key markets.
Africa Specialty Risks Ltd. is an Appointed Representative of Crispin Speers & Partners Ltd. We operate as a Managing General Agent sourcing world leading capacity for African insurance and reinsurance risk. We are a proud member of the MGA Association.