Antares, the international specialty insurance and reinsurance subsidiary of Qatar Insurance Group (“QIC”), today announces the appointment of Mark Graham as CEO of Antares Managing Agency Ltd, subject to regulatory approval. Graham will report to Michael van der Straaten, CEO at Antares.

Alexander Craggs, who was Acting CEO of Antares Managing Agency Ltd since the summer, will be taking the permanent role of Deputy CEO of Antares and of Chief Underwriting Officer of Marine, Energy and Accident & Health at Group level at Antares.

Antares also announces that Jim Lye has been given full regulatory approval as Active Underwriter for Antares Syndicate 1274.

Graham has been with Antares for eight years, beginning his career at the group as Chief Operating Officer at Antares. He was appointed Group Chief Risk Officer & Executive Vice President at Antares’ parent company, Qatar Insurance Company, in January 2016. Before joining Antares, Graham chaired the Solvency II Committee for the Lloyd’s Market Association and headed his own company, Acuitas Consulting Ltd., which provided strategic and operational advice to insurance businesses in the London market. Previous roles include Chief Financial Officer and Chief Actuary at Chaucer plc.

van der Straaten said:

“Antares Managing Agency Ltd is a key element of our long-term growth plans and Mark’s appointment will further align our established Lloyd’s arm with our ultimate parent QIC’s strategy. He is a consummate professional, industry leader and an executive with a track record of success. I am pleased to work alongside him as we continue to build upon the strategic vision for Antares and strengthen our operations.

“With Alexander now in a permanent position as Deputy CEO of Antares and overseeing the underwriting of all of our Group Marine, Energy and Accident & Health operations, we are confident Antares is in an excellent position to capitalise on favourable market conditions. I would therefore like to welcome Mark to his role and look forward to working with him, Alexander and Jim to make Antares the risk carrier of choice in the London and international markets.”