International reinsurance broker PWS has appointed Julian Messent as chief executive.
The appointment follows the resignation of group managing director Peter Smith.
Previously, Messent was director of American property at Alexander Howden, and prior to that was director of Europe and Latin America property at Sedgwick.
Chairman Lord Pearson of Rannoch said: "We are very sad that Peter [Smith] will be leaving us after such a long time with the group. His achievements have been remarkable, particularly his contribution to achieving our successful management buy-out.
"Having said that, we are delighted that Julian [Messent] has accepted our invitation to take the reins and I am confident that he will lead the group through its next phase of growth."
