Cotter to Head New Allied World Hong Kong Branch

Allied World Assurance Company Holdings announced the opening of a branch office in Hong Kong in order to expand its operations into Asia. Bill Cotter, Senior Vice President, Asia, will oversee all Asian insurance operations from the new office.

“Initial offerings include a variety of primary and excess professional lines and general casualty products as well as a suite of accident & health products,” said the bulletin. Allied World added that its operations “have received authorization from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, Hong Kong, to conduct general business operations in the specified classes.”

President and CEO Scott Carmilani commented: “Allied World is expanding to Asia because we see great potential in the region and in our ability to address growing risks for clients. As companies seek insurance protection from a greater diversity of insurers, we seek to distinguish ourselves with our expanded global expertise and our capacity to handle claims in Asia locally, as well as our unique business approach to insurance.”

“We are excited to have Bill Cotter leading our expansion into Asia. His years of international experience and stellar reputation will aid us in building the relationships and service standards needed to be successful in Hong Kong and throughout Asia.”

Cotter’s background includes two years as CEO of CIGNA Worldwide Life Insurance Company and CIGNA Worldwide General Insurance Company, a Hong Kong subsidiary of CIGNA International. He also worked for AIG and its affiliates for over 15 years, most recently as Chief Operating Officer of AIG Small Business, Senior Vice President and Chief Underwriting Officer of National Union Fire Insurance Company, and Regional Vice President, Southeast Asia and Greater China Regions of American International Underwriters (AIU), based in Hong Kong.

Source: Allied World – http://www.awac.com