Everest Re group announced Chris Downey will be appointed as managing director and CEO of Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda) Ltd, succeeding Sanjoy Mukherjee who will return to his full-time duties as general counsel and corporate secretary of Everest Re, effective 1 April 2020.

Mukherjee initially joined Everest in 2000 and became executive vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary in 2005 before taking on the additional roles of managing director and CEO in 2016.

Whilst assuming his additional responsibilities, Downey will continue his current role as chief underwriting officer of the reinsurance division at Everest. Mukherjee and Downey will work closely together over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition.

Juan C. Andrade, president and CEO, Everest Re Group, Ltd. said: "Given the growth and diversification of our Company, particularly in insurance and international, Everest will benefit from Sanjoy’s full time focus as our General Counsel helping the organization deal with the vast complexities of our global operation. He is an outstanding general counsel and his strong leadership, wide market knowledge, and deep industry relationships have contributed, over many years, to the success we have had in building and expanding Everest’s global position as a recognized industry leader. Over the last four years Sanjoy has been instrumental in expanding our Bermuda operations. With twenty years at Everest, his vast contributions to the organization across many fronts cannot be understated.”

Adding: “Chris is a respected underwriter, and leader within Everest, who has previously spent 15 years of his career based in Bermuda. He is a talented and seasoned industry leader who will continue to play an increasingly important role in the future of Everest."