OREANDA-NEWS. American Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: AFG) today announced the appointment of Mr. Martin Reith as Chief Executive Officer of Marketform Managing Agency (“Marketform”), which operates Syndicate 2468 at Lloyd’s of London, effective November 2015.

Martin Reith has over 25 years’ experience across underwriting, management and leadership. Most notably, he was the Founder and CEO of Ascot Underwriting Limited, which he established in 2001 with the support and backing of AIG. Under Mr. Reith’s leadership, Ascot became one of the largest and top-performing businesses in Lloyd’s with a network of overseas offices. In 2008, Mr. Reith stepped down as CEO and served as a Non-Executive on Ascot’s Board from 2008 to 2011. Prior to Ascot, he served as CEO of XL Capital’s Insurance Operations in London.

Mr. Reith has since developed a portfolio of businesses outside of the insurance arena and participates on the Boards of a number of these companies. He is the founder of his family’s charitable trust and Chairman of Derby-based charity the Maria Hanson Foundation. He is also a member of the Board of Directors at AmWINS Group Inc., and has recently served as Advisory Director to Securis Investment Partners LLP, an ILS fund based in London.

Mr. Reith’s appointment is subject to customary approvals.

John O’Neill, the current CEO, who has served Marketform well since his joining in 2010, will assume the role as Director of Claims and will work to ensure a smooth leadership transition.

In connection with the hiring of Mr. Reith, the Company also announced its intention to nominate and elect Joseph E. (Jeff) Consolino as Chairman of Marketform Group Limited, the holding company for Marketform. Mr. Consolino also serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of American Financial Group.

Carl H. Lindner III, Co-CEO of American Financial Group, stated, “We are excited to welcome Martin to Marketform and the Great American Insurance Group team. His long track record of success in building and leading insurance operations in the Lloyd’s market is consistent with the core Great American Insurance Group tradition of specialty focus and consistent profitability.”