Keith L. Shroyer, 57 years old, a former executive with Bermuda-based insurer XL, died Dec. 24 after a two-year battle with brain cancer.

Mr. Shroyer retired from the XL group of companies in 2003 as president and chief underwriting officer of XL Re Latin America.

His reinsurance career spanned almost 30 years, all of it involved with Latin America. Mr. Shroyer, an American who spoke Portuguese and Spanish fluently, joined XL at the inception of XL Re Latin America in September, 1997. Before joining XL, he worked in the Latin American operations of American Re for 20 years, and in American International Group's Latin American operations during the mid 1970's.

While with the XL group, he created a network of regional offices, placing XL Re among the top international reinsurers in Latin America in terms of premium volume.

“He was very knowledgeable about the region, and had a passion for the Latin culture,” said Stephen Outerbridge, current president and chief underwriting officer of XL Re Latin America. “His reputation in the area was a great help to XL Re in establishing its credibility as a start-up operation.”

“Keith was admired and respected both by colleagues and clients,” said Jamie Veghte, chief executive of XL Reinsurance general operations. “He will be greatly missed, and we extend our condolences to his family.”

Mr. Shroyer was born in Lansing, Mich. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Paz, and their four sons, David, Robert, Ryan and Daniel.

Funeral services will be held Saturday at Grace Point Church in Newtown, Pa.