Aspen Insurance is expanding into the U.S. marine, energy, andconstruction insurance sector under the leadership of Anthony S.Carroll, the company's newly appointed executive vicepresident.

“The formation of a dedicated marine, energy and constructionunit in the US, focused on property and onshore energy, fitsperfectly with our strategy of providing specialty solutionsanchored by an industry focus,” says Mario P. Vitale, CEO ofAspen Insurance, in a statement. “The global energy landscapeis growing and evolving, and we are pleased to be in a position tohelp energy clients and brokers meet the demands of their businessincluding their construction protection needs.”

The unit, which will integrate Aspen U.S. Insurance's existingmarine business, will underwrite onshore energy and constructionclasses of business with a focus on property covers. Its team ofunderwriters, engineers, and claims experts will distribute therisk management products through retail and wholesale brokers.

“This team will be highly specialized and dedicated to themarine, energy and construction industry, in line within AspenInsurance's approach to all specialist lines of business. I amexcited to work within the framework of Aspen Insurance'sintegrated business model built on professional underwriting, astrong risk management and engineering culture, and claimsintegration,” says Carroll.

Carroll joins Aspen from Liberty International Underwriters,where he spent 11 years in leadership positions in its globalmarine, energy, fire and construction business. Earlier, he workedat Starr Technical Risks Agency and at Cigna. In his new role,Carroll will report to Mario Vitale.

Recently Aspen said it was going to reduceits U.S. earthquake and wind property exposure in order tofree $140 million in capital to use in its share buy-backprogram.