XL Catlin has appointed Richard Abizaid as Head of the Americas and Regional Product Leader, for Political Risk and Trade Credit (PRTC). Based in Washington D.C., Mr. Abizaid will head XL Catlin's PRTC insurance operations in the Americas which include teams across the continent.

Commenting on the appointment, Dan Riordan, XL Catlin's Global Head of Political Risk and Trade Credit said: "Richard is an experienced leader and an excellent addition to our global team. He brings in-depth knowledge of the industry and of the Americas which strengthens our position as one of the leading PRTC providers in the world."

Mr. Riordan continued: "One constant of our time is the speed of change and in the Americas region conditions, government administrations and risks can—and do—change frequently. With change comes a need to revise risk strategies, including the purchase of political risk and trade credit insurance to protect people, assets, investments and cash flows. Richard brings a wealth of experience in emerging markets which will further strengthen our capabilities to partner with banks, multinational organizations, export credit agencies and investors who see the unique growth opportunities in the region."

Mr. Abizaid joins XL Catlin with 18 years' experience in the insurance industry. Most recently he held the position of Senior Vice President and Head of Americas Team for Zurich Credit & Political Risk. He also managed Zurich's Asia Pacific political risk underwriting team in Singapore and has served in senior roles for the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation in Washington D.C.

XL Catlin's highly experienced underwriting and analytical Political Risk and Trade Credit team offers broad coverage products for banks, investors, export credit and public-sector multilateral agencies investing in mid and high risk regions. Our policies can align with the duration of strategic investments, with tenors of up to 15 years and market leading limits of up to $200m.

About XL Catlin's Insurance Operations
XL Catlin insurance companies offer property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty insurance products globally. Businesses that are moving the world forward choose XL Catlin as their partner. To learn more, visit xlcatlin.com.

About XL Catlin 

XL Catlin is the global brand used by XL Group Ltd (NYSE:XL) insurance and reinsurance companies which provide property, casualty, professional and specialty products to industrial, commercial and professional firms, insurance companies and other enterprises throughout the world. Clients look to XL Catlin for answers to their most complex risks and to help move their world forward. To learn more, visit xlcatlin.com.