Two promoted to Qatar Re chief underwriting officer

Qatar Re has made some personnel changes as a result of the resignation of Chief Underwriting Officer Alastair Speare-Cole.

Luke Roden and Michael van der Straaten will both fill the role. The two were previously Deputy CUOs.

“We thank Alastair for his relentless efforts during his stint at Qatar Re,” Gunther Saacke, CEO of Qatar Re, said in a press release. “Generational change in our company and the desire for a less hectic life-style have led Alastair to move on. Having served in a senior and demanding role at Qatar Re, our best wishes follow Alastair as he takes on future challenges in our industry. On a more personal note, I remain particularly grateful to Alastair for his support of the idea to create a new and significant reinsurer that is enrooted in the Gulf countries but is rolling out a truly global franchise.”

Roden has worked at Qatar Re in a variety of roles, including executive management committee member. In late 2016, van der Straaten joined Qatar Re as an underwriter.

“Mike has already made a great impact, drawing on his extensive professional experience, relationships and aptitude for analytics,” Saacke said.