NU Online News Service, Feb. 1, 3:07 p.m.EST

Lloyd’s announced today the appointment of Rodney Smith asregional director for Lloyd’s America’s newly established Southeastregion.

Mr. Smith, who has more than 20 years of experience in thestandard and surplus lines marketplace, will be based in Atlanta.He will be responsible for market development activities inVirginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabamaand Mississippi, Lloyd’s said.

In 2010, Lloyd’s America divided the U.S. into threeregions—Western, Central and Eastern—with the goal of streamliningits business operations. Lloyd’s said the newly formed Southeastregion was created to reinforce its commitment to its distributionpartners in that market.

Hank Watkins, president, Lloyd’s America, said, “We are excitedto have Rod in place and leading Lloyd’s market development effortin the Southeast region. His expertise in underwriting and claims,the alternative risk market and broker relations, combined with hisrecent experience working for a Lloyd’s syndicate, have facilitatedRod’s seamless transition to Lloyd’s America.”

Mr. Smith said, “My first priority is to become the face ofLloyd’s in the Southeast region by introducing myself to anyone andeveryone who works with the market now, or could in the future. Iwant our broker partners to know that I am a resource who can helpthem navigate the Lloyd’s market. Second, I want to continue toeducate—not just the insurance professionals but also the widerbusiness community and students in the risk management disciplineat our colleges and universities—about the value and benefits ofdoing business with Lloyd’s.”

Mr. Smith was vice president of ICAT (Lloyd’s syndicate 4242)from 2005-2010. Previously, he was vice president, Southeastregion, for XL Capital; and national director, alternative marketproducts, for American International Group.