NU Online News Service, April 27, 3:30 p.m.EDT

Bermuda-based specialty underwriter Hiscox said that due to itsrecent expansion in the United States it has reorganized itscorporate structure, placing all U.S. operations under onemanager.

Richard Watson, who was managing director of Hiscox GlobalMarkets, has been put in charge of all U.S. operations as chiefexecutive officer of Hiscox U.S.A.

Ed Donnelly will continue as president and Robert Childs willremain chairman and chief underwriter officer, the companysaid.

Mr. Watson joined Hiscox in 1986 and has underwritten a varietyof lines of business including political risks, property, marine,reinsurance, professional indemnity and specie.

Hiscox's Lloyd's operation will now focus purely on the LondonMarket and as such the Global Markets business, as it was formerlyknown, will be renamed Hiscox London Market.

Russell Merrett was promoted to the role of managing director,Hiscox London Market. He joined Hiscox in 1997 as line underwriterfor reinsurance. Since 2005 he has been divisional head ofreinsurance, which Hiscox said is the largest business area bypremium income.

Charles Dupplin has already assumed leadership for HiscoxBermuda. Steve Langan will remain Managing Director of Hiscox U.K.,and Steve Camm will continue as Managing Director of HiscoxGuernsey. Michael Gould will continue as acting managing directorof Hiscox Europe.