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LONDON--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--ACE Group today announced the appointment of Jeff Hobson as Branch Manager of its Leeds office as it further strengthens its regional management team within its UK and Ireland region.

"Jeffas appointment sends a strong message to the market that we are continuing to place significant resource behind our branches and, importantly, empowering them with the authority to make decisions locally."

In his new role, Jeff will have overall responsibility for the performance of the branch and will report to Ian Fox, Northern Regional Manager. Previously ACEas Northern Property & Casualty Manager, Jeff was responsible for managing and developing property, casualty, technical and environmental business for its Northern England region. The appointment takes place with immediate effect.

Jeff has more than 20 yearsa industry experience,working for both insurers and brokers including Chartis, Aon, JLT and, most recently, Willis as Regional Managing Director for Leeds.

Phil Sharpe, Chief Operating Officer, UK and Ireland Retail Insurance at ACE said: aJeffas appointment sends a strong message to the market that we are continuing to place significant resource behind our branches and, importantly, empowering them with the authority to make decisions locally.a

Ian Fox, Northern Regional Manager for ACE, added: aOur established presence in Leeds and the significant work that is already being done there will continue under Jeffas leadership and his promotion highlights ACEas capacity to promote individuals to positions greater responsibility, from within the Group.a

About ACE:

The ACE Group is one of the worldas largest multiline property and casualty insurers. With operations in 53 countries, ACE provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. ACE Limited, the parent company of the ACE Group, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: ACE) and is a component of the S&P 500 index.

ACE UK & Irelandas five regions are:

a Ireland (Dublin and Belfast) a Scotland (Glasgow) a The North (Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle) a Midlands (Birmingham) a London and South East (London, Maidstone, Reading, Watford)

Additional information can be found at: [ www.acegroup.com/uk ]