Demian Smith has resigned from his position as StarStone CEO, it has been announced.

In a statement, the company said: “StarStone can confirm that Demian Smith has resigned as group CEO of StarStone. We are in the final stages of recruiting a successor who we expect to announce in mid-October. In the interim, Chris Rash will lead StarStone in his role of executive chairman to support a smooth transition.”

The news follows shortly after the specialty carrier’s parent Enstar announced that it was no longer exploring a sale of StarStone and fellow active underwriting business, Atrium.

Smith was appointed to the role of group CEO in December 2016, leading its global business across StarStone’s three main regions of the US and Bermuda, Lloyd’s and the London market, and Continental Europe.

He previously served as CEO of StarStone’s international operations from 2014, overseeing Lloyd’s and the London market and Continental Europe operations. He joined the company in 2010 as global head of marine.