Royal & SunAlliance reinforces company's commitment to growth strategy with two senior appointments

Muhammad takes responsibility for development of the UAE's commercial portfolio and the continuing evolution of the underwriting in that area. Harris will drive the development and growth of the business through distribution channels in the UAE.

"The UAE is one of the fastest growth markets in the ME and a major focus for Royal & SunAlliance. Strengthening our senior team with the appointment reinforces the leadership and drive to consolidate our performance and deliver outstanding results. The combination of their experience and knowledge of the market makes them both valuable additions to Royal & SunAlliance"

commented Paul Holmes, CEO, Royal & SunAlliance UAE.

Nadeem Muhammad joins the company from Royal & SunAlliance's Oman office where he held the Assistant General Manager position focusing on Technical, Claims, and Risk Management for the last 2 years.

Prior to his joining Royal & SunAlliance, Muhammad was working with the Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company as Manager International for the Middle East and North Africa Region, and for Pilot Insurance Company in Toronto as Senior Property Underwriter for the Ontario Province.

He has 18 years experience in insurance underwriting, risk management, claims and business development.

Commenting on his appointment, Muhammad said: "Growth rate in the UAE insurance industry is among one of the highest in the world. Royal & SunAlliance Insurance, UAE is moving to the forefront to take a leading part in this fantastic growth story. In joining the UAE Business, my goal is to continue building on Royal & SunAlliance's global success and to bring a fresh perspective and insight into how clients can benefit from our commercial products in this market".

Royal & SunAlliance remains one of the most active commercial insurers in the region. First class security, a strong corporate governance structure, underwriting and claims excellence plus strong risk management capability have ensured that the company is actively involved in many of the high profile ventures that the UAE is renowned for.

Major projects such as the Palm Islands development, the Dubai Airport expansion and the emerging International City, as well as world class companies like Jumeirah International and Nakheel have all benefited from Royal & SunAlliance's commercial expertise.

David Harris joins Royal & SunAlliance from HSBC Insurance Brokers where he held the position of Managing Director for three years.

Prior to that, Harris worked with Good Health Worldwide Ltd and the National Company for Cooperative Insurance in Saudi Arabia brining his experience in the insurance industry in the Middle East to a total of ten years.

Expressing his eagerness to move into the new role, Harris said "Above all other insurance companies, Royal & SunAlliance's name is associated with quality and professionalism. It is a privilege to join the company and I am excited about the challenge ahead. I know I can actively contribute to the company's ambitious growth strategy and extend its market leading position across the UAE."

Royal & SunAlliance enjoyed strong growth in 2007 in an increasingly competitive market.

Plans in 2008 aim to aggressively grow the company's market share in the Asia Middle East region, in addition to strengthening its position as a preferred insurer among both individual and commercial customers.