Mark Graham has been named as CEO of Antares Managing Agency, a company of QIC Global, the international speciality insurance and reinsurance subsidiary of Qatar Insurance Group (QIC).
Graham, who will report to Michael van der Straaten, CEO at QIC Global, has been with the firm for eight years, starting his career at the group as a COO at Antares.
He was later appointed as group chief risk officer and executive vice-president at QIC Global’s 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, which provided operational advice to insurance businesses in the London market.
Alexander Craggs, who has been acting CEO of Antares since the summer, will be taking the permanent role of deputy CEO of Antares and of the chief underwriting officer of marine, energy and accident and health at group level at QIC Global.
In addition, QIC Global has announced that Jim Lye has been given full regulatory approval as an active underwriter for Antares Syndicate 1274.
Commenting on Graham's promotion, van der Straaten said: “Antares is a key element of QIC Global’s long-term growth plans and Mark Graham’s appointment will further align our established Lloyd’s arm with our ultimate parent QIC’s strategy.”
He stated: “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 QIC Global and strengthen our operations.”
van der Straaten continued: “With Alexander Craggs now in a permanent position as deputy CEO of Antares and overseeing the underwriting of all of our group marine, energy and accident and health operations, we are confident QIC Global and Antares are in an excellent position to capitalise on favourable market conditions.”
“I would therefore like to welcome Mark Graham to his role and look forward to working with him, Alexander Graggs and Jim Lye to make QIC Global the risk carrier of choice in the London and international markets,” he concluded.