London, 15 July 2026 – Africa Specialty Risks (“ASR”), the developing markets-focused (re)insurance group, today announces the appointment of Yelhis Hernández as Regional Lead, Latin America.
Based in Mexico City, Yelhis will be responsible for developing ASR’s presence and executing ASR’s growth strategy across Latin America. Her remit will focus on building relationships with brokers, clients and strategic partners while deepening the group’s foundations and connections in the region.
The appointment reflects ASR’s expansion beyond Africa and the Middle East, supporting its mission to enable sustainable economic development in global growth markets by fulfilling unmet insurance needs.
Yelhis brings almost 30 years of professional experience, including more than 18 years in the (re)insurance sector. She joins ASR from Lloyd’s, where she spent more than eight years in senior market development and relationship management roles across London, Mexico and Central America. During that time, she oversaw a portfolio exceeding US$20 billion, managing strategic relationships with Lloyd’s managing agents.
Before joining Lloyd’s, Yelhis held leadership positions at Willis Towers Watson and Zurich, spanning operations, business transformation, risk management and strategic development across Latin America. She will report to Amit Khilosia, Chief Distribution Officer.
Commenting on the appointment, Mikir Shah CEO, ASR said: “Latin America is a natural step in ASR’s growth as we extend our specialist capabilities to developing markets around the world. The region has substantial and increasingly complex insurance needs, creating a clear opportunity for ASR to work alongside local partners and help close critical protection gaps. I’m delighted to welcome Yelhis, who brings deep knowledge of the local market and significant experience in the international reinsurance sector.”
Yelhis added: “Latin America presents a compelling opportunity for ASR, as businesses across the region are navigating increasingly complex risks yet often lack access to specialty capacity and solutions. ASR’s partnership-led platform means we can work with the local market to meaningfully enhance the availability of specialty reinsurance while supporting sustainable economic development.”
Media Enquiries
Tavistock Communications Ltd
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About Africa Specialty Risks
Africa Specialty Risks (ASR) is enabling sustainable economic development by fulfilling unmet insurance needs. Our platform provides local underwriting expertise, an unparalleled distribution network and access to global capacity.
Founded in the heart of Africa and with offices across the continent and the Middle East, we provide regional market knowledge, data insights, and technical proficiency for capital partners who are looking to increase their presence in growth markets.
We also participate on each and every risk we underwrite with balance sheets in Bermuda, Mauritius and through Syndicate 2454 at Lloyd’s. ASR is committed to accelerating business growth by providing customised service and innovative insurance products to enable development.