Prior to Validus, he held various chief underwriting and operating positions with United America Insurance Group, IFG Companies-Burlington Insurance Group, and ICAT Holdings LLC.

Mr. Ritz began his career in reinsurance and also was a managing director at Guy Carpenter.

In this newly created role, Mr. Ritz will report to Mark Cloutier, executive chair and group chief executive officer.

Mr. Cloutier commented, "I am very pleased that we have been able to attract such a proven and experienced leader as Jonathan to this important role. His impressive track record and reputation, together with his extensive expertise across the sector, and in a range of disciplines, will add further considerable strength to our senior leadership team.

"In his role as group president, Jonathan will be joining the group executive committee and group underwriting committee, and will be working very closely with me as we continue to refine and build upon our strategies to make Aspen a recognized leader in the area of specialty risk transfer through the combination of our insurance, reinsurance, and capital market capabilities."

Mr. Ritz said, "I am delighted to be joining Aspen at such an exciting time in the company's development. Under Mark's leadership and Apollo's ownership, the business is refocusing on its core strengths and I very much look forward to playing a part in its future success."

Learn more: www.aspen.co.