NEW YORK -- Swiss Re on Aug. 19 announced the appointment of Walter A. Bell as Chairman of Swiss Re America Holding Corporation. Bell, whose appointment with Swiss Re is effective September 2, is currently Insurance Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Insurance, a position he has held since 2003.

"Walter Bell is an outstanding addition to our firm, with his notable experience as a regulator and his leadership roles in the insurance industry," said Swiss Re Chief Executive Officer Jacques Aigrain. "At a time when the industry is facing significant challenges and when Swiss Re is building on its strengths to develop new opportunities in this changing environment, Walter's expertise and leadership will substantially contribute to our efforts in Swiss Re's largest market."

Bell will provide supervisory governance of the Americas businesses for Swiss Re, reporting directly to CEO Aigrain. He will also oversee and direct regulatory and public affairs for all of Swiss Re's North America businesses, helping provide state and federal legislators, regulators and others with the insights they need for effective policy-making.

"The resources, the talent and the focus on the future of its clients globally makes Swiss Re a leader in the important industry of protecting property and lives around the world," said Bell. "I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues at Swiss Re and working with government and the private sector to develop solutions that are at the forefront of insurance and the broader financial issues we face today."

During Bell's tenure as Alabama Insurance Commissioner, he led efforts to streamline the organisation, improving access to the department for consumers, producers and companies. The department was also recently accredited by the NAIC.

Bell, who has previously served as President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, is currently on the Executive Committee of the NAIC. In this function, he is also Chairman of the NAIC International insurance Relations Committee, as well as a member of several other committees.

He was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of The Bermuda Monetary Authority, the organization's first international member. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Association of Insurance Supervisors.

A native of Alabama, Bell has more than 20 years experience in the financial services sector. He is the retired Vice President for Diversity Marketing for the MONY Group, a life insurance company.

Bell served as Chairman of the Diversity Marketing Committee of the Life Insurance Marketing Research Association and is a former member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the Million Dollar Roundtable and the Alabama Association of Life Underwriters. During his sales career, he was a member and past president of the Mobile Association of Life Underwriters.

Bell, who is married with two children, is an active member of his community in Mobile.

Source:  SwissRe