Antares, the international specialty insurance and reinsurance subsidiary of Qatar Insurance Group, today announces the appointment of Michael van der Straaten, as CEO effective 1 March 2020.

van der Straaten remains CEO of Antares Re. Joe Battle, CEO of Antares Managing Agency Ltd – their Lloyd’s specialist insurance and reinsurance entity, will report to van der Straaten.

Sunil Talwar will remain as Antares Chairman.

van der Straaten has over 35 years’ experience in the insurance industry and has been CEO of Antares Re since January 2019. Throughout the course of his long career, he has held a series of senior roles at Canopius Group, Chubb and QIC Europe. van der Straaten first joined the Lloyd’s market in 1984 and has since specialised in property treaty and other speciality lines.

Talwar said:

“Antares Re and Syndicate 1274 are both poised for long-term growth, with an established operational platform with the firm financial backing of QIC Group. Mike has overseen the transformation of Qatar Re into a global multi-line reinsurer with a sustainable, profitable portfolio of business and we are very pleased he will be leading Antares into the next phase of its expansion.”

van der Straaten said: “Antares Managing Agency Ltd and Antares Re are both fantastic underwriting platforms, with a diverse range of income streams, a wealth of talent and established reputations at Lloyd’s and internationally. With market conditions improving markedly, I look forward to working with Joe and Sunil to grow the business further.”