Argo Group Makes Executive Appointments

Argo Group International Holdings (Hamilton, Bermuda) has made three executive appointments: Kevin D. Silva, as senior vice president of human resources; Michael Fusco, as chief actuary; and Bernhard H. Scheifele, as chief risk officer.

Silva, who reports to Argo Group President and CEO Mark E. Watson III, is responsible for managing the Company's global HR function and will focus on executive recruitment, employee development, benefits and staffing, according to an Argo source.

"Kevin has significant international experience in human resources management," said Mr. Watson. "Given his successful track record for leading complex organizational changes, I have every confidence that Kevin will help focus our global workforce on Argo Group's long-term strategy as an international specialty insurer."

Mr. Scheifele and Mr. Fusco report to Argo Group CFO Jay Bullock. "I am pleased Bernhard and Mike have chosen to join Argo Group," says Bullock. "Both of these gentlemen add to the global perspective of our team. Bernhard has industry experience in and understanding of both US and European risk management, which will serve Argo Group well as we expand our operations. Mike's extensive knowledge in a variety of executive financial areas, as well as his deep understanding of the insurance industry, also complements our future plans."

Silva joins Argo Group after 13 years with MBIA Insurance Corporation where he served as chief administrative officer, according to the Argo source. In this role, he was responsible for leading several global support functions including human resources, corporate administration, information resources, facilities and telecommunications and records management. Prior to MBIA, Silva served a combined 16 years as an executive leader with Merrill Lynch, MasterCard International and Pepsi Cola Company. For each of these worldwide companies, he led major initiatives to establish and develop the global human resources organizations.

Scheifele joins Argo Group after more than 16 years with Munich Reinsurance Company in Munich, Germany, where he served as head of divisional planning and controlling for North America, according to Argo. In this role he was responsible for capital management, strategic and annual planning analysis and enterprise risk management. Prior to that, Scheifele was a deputy member of the executive management team responsible for group controlling worldwide for Munich Re, including operative planning, management steering tools and cost accounting.

Fusco comes to Argo Group from Navigant Consulting, Inc., where he performed actuarial consulting and due diligence services. He has 39 years of insurance industry experience, including eight years at CNA where he served as chief actuary. His work history includes actuarial, enterprise risk management, merger and acquisition activities, regulatory and rating agency relations, planning and financial reporting.

Anthony O'Donnell has covered technology in the insurance industry since 2000, when he joined the editorial staff of Insurance & Technology. As an editor and reporter for I&T and the InformationWeek Financial Services of TechWeb he has written on all areas of information ... View Full Bio