Lloyd's announced the promotion of Pat Talley, formerly president of Lloyd's Kentucky, to regional director for Lloyd's America's Central Region.

Mr. Talley will be responsible for the Illinois and Kentucky offices, as well as market development activities in the other central U.S states, in order to expand Lloyd's America's presence in the region, Lloyd's said today.

Discussing his objectives for the Central Region for the remainder of 2010, Mr. Talley noted, "Our first priority is to integrate, streamline and refocus the two licensed territories, Kentucky and Illinois. Second, there will be a large emphasis placed on market development, which will require implementing a strategy and support platform to expand market development activities throughout the diverse Central Region."

Hank Watkins, president, Lloyd's America, said Mr. Talley will continue as "an important leader and voice for the Lloyd's market in the Central Region. He has the right combination of experience and vision to successfully guide our operational and market development efforts there."

He added, "We remain committed to educating U.S. stakeholders about Lloyd's, in the process facilitating brokers' access to the market and maintaining the positive public profile that has distinguished Lloyd's through much of its history."

Mr. Talley will remain in the Lloyd's Kentucky office and will be joined by Lloyd's Chief Executive Richard Ward and Director of North America Sean McGovern to open the redesigned Chicago office in early October.

Mr. Talley served as president, Lloyd's Kentucky, from 2006-2010. Prior positions include:

o From 1998-2006 he was with the Kentucky Department of Insurance, serving as financial consultant and representative for the Kentucky Commissioner of Insurance.

o From 1994-1997, First Kentucky Securities Corporation Municipal, bond trading and portfolio management.

o From 1988-1994, Commonwealth Investment Group, fixed-income bond trader.

Within the Central Region, Lloyd's said it writes $1.6 billion of excess and surplus premium. This is a 22 percent share of the market and is largely property, casualty and energy business throughout eight states.

Underwriters at Lloyd's are licensed only in Kentucky, Illinois and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and are eligible surplus lines insurers in all U.S. jurisdictions except Kentucky and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Lloyd's said, adding that its underwriters are also accredited reinsurers in all states.

Insurance policies issued by underwriters are not protected or guaranteed by state insurance guaranty associations or insolvency funds, except in states where licensed, Lloyd's said.