London-based ACE European Group announced the appointment today of Andreas Wania as regional manager for Central and Eastern Europe.

The company said Mr. Wania's role encompasses a region extending from Russia and the CIS (formerly USSR) in the north through Central and Eastern Europe to ACE's forthcoming Turkish operation in the south.

Mr. Wania joined ACE in October 2004 to start up CJSC ACE insurance company, ACE's non-life Russian company.

As Country Manager for ACE's operation in Russia and in his new role, he will report directly to David Furby, president Continental Europe, the company said.

Mr. Furby said Mr. Wania had built the company's business in Russia “from scratch” and had taken advantage of many opportunities arising from the rapidly growing Russian economy.

Throughout Russia and the wider Central and Eastern Europe region, Mr. Furby said that “above average economic growth has created significant demand” for property and casualty and accident and health insurance products and services.

ACE European Group has established branch offices in 19 countries across Europe, Freedom of Services permission to provide insurance services to clients in 30 European countries, and affiliates in Egypt, Bahrain, Pakistan, Russia and South Africa.

Part of the ACE Group of Companies, ACE European Group comprises the operations of ACE Europe, ACE Global Markets and ACE Tempest Re Group.