Berkshire Hathaway Speciality Insurance (BHSI) has launched its new office in Paris after receiving its insurance license in France and has announced the appointment of François-Xavier D’Huart as Country Manager.

BHSI has received the insurance license to begin underwriting property, casualty, and executive & professional lines in France immediately. The company expects to launch several other products in the coming months.

D’Huart joins BHSI with 15 years industry experience, most recently holding the position as head of client and broker management for France at AXA XL (previously XL Catlin). Prior to that, he was chief executive officer, Office Lyonnais d’Assurances and Interassur, at SATEC, and head of marine cargo & hull for Asia at AXA Asia.

Chris Colahan, president, BHSI in Europe and the UK commented: “We are pleased to continue our strategic expansion in Europe, with our new office in France and François-Xavier leading our efforts to bring BHSI’s underwriting and claims acumen, financial strength, and long-term focus to the French market. François-Xavier brings extensive experience to BHSI, and I am so pleased to have him at the helm as we build our product line and team in Paris.”