NEW YORK, Nov. 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- XL Group plc's (NYSE: XL) US Risk Management business is adding and redeploying talent in its New York office to boost its resources for addressing businesses' most complex casualty insurance needs.  The company announced the addition of James Barbuti as its US Risk Management Leader for the East Coast and the appointment of David Kelly to a new home office role as Senior Vice President of US Risk Management.  Both report to Jay Lefkowitz, head of US Risk Management.

According to Mr. Lefkowitz, "Jim's knowledge and relationships in both New York and the Mid-Atlantic marketplace is extensive and will be invaluable to us as we strengthen our broker relationships and our reputation for creatively addressing large complex casualty accounts. We're pleased to gain Jim's help to build on our recent successes."

"David is stepping into a new role to focus on building our captive capabilities. He will assist our regional underwriting teams in addressing various captive fronting, single parent, small group captive, and other unique risk management account opportunities," Mr. Lefkowitz noted.  "We're also tapping into Dave's extensive home office operation experience to assist in several planned underwriting process and operational enhancements."

Mr. Barbuti joins XL from ACE where he has worked for the past 10 years in both Philadelphia and NY running the risk management operations.  He brings more than 25 years of risk management experience to the business working on both the carrier and brokerage side, including positions Johnson & Higgins and Alexander & Alexander, both in New York, and Legion Insurance Company in Philadelphia. Mr. Barbuti holds a bachelor's degree from St. John's University and an MBA from Hofstra University.

David Kelly joined XL Group's US Risk Management team in 2003 after 23 years with Kemper Insurance where he most recently served as Chief Underwriting Officer at Kemper Risk Management.  He is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound in Washington State.    

About XL's Insurance Operations
XL Group plc's insurance companies offer property, casualty, professional and specialty insurance products globally. Businesses that are moving the world forward choose XL as their partner. To learn more, visit www.xlgroup.com/insurance

XL Group is the global brand used by XL Group plc's insurance subsidiaries.

About XL Group plc
XL Group plc, through its subsidiaries, is a global insurance and reinsurance company providing property, casualty and specialty products to industrial, commercial and professional firms, insurance companies and other enterprises throughout the world.   XL is the company clients look to for answers to their most complex risks and to help move their world forward. Its principal offices are located at No.1 Hatch Street Upper, 4^th Floor, Dublin 2, Ireland. To learn more, visit www.xlgroup.com

SOURCE XL Group