Sompo International (Sompo) has appointed Ralph Brand as president of the Continental Europe division. Based in Switzerland, Brand will be responsible for overseeing international strategy in the region, expanding the company’s offerings to clients and distribution partners. Brand has more than 35 years of experience in international insurance, joining Sompo from his previous position as global head of casualty, financial lines, and cyber at Zurich International. Throughout his career, Brand has held several leadership roles across Europe, the US, and South Africa. Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance company Sompo is a global provider of commercial and consumer property and casualty (re)insurance, and offers direct (re)insurance to captive insurance companies. Julian James, CEO of global markets, commercial P&C at Sompo, says: “Sompo has operated in Europe for over 50 years through our Japanese interest accounts. Four years ago, we started our pan-European professional lines offering and have strong ambitions to strengthen our commitment and expand our capabilities to brokers and clients across the continent. Brand is ideally placed to drive our ambitions forward.” Commenting on his appointment, Brand adds: “It is a fantastic opportunity to lead the strategy for Continental Europe, as well as build out our offering for Sompo International in Europe as we continue to work towards making our sustainable growth ambitions a reality.”