[By NBC-1TV H. J Yook]ACE Group announced today the creation of a Construction Industry Practice Group to serve the expanding risk management needs of Contractors and Principals in the Asia Pacific region. The new Construction Industry Practice Group will leverage ACE’s global strengths in Construction, Project Cargo, Casualty, Surety, Environmental and Project Professional Indemnity to develop customized solutions to meet Client’s needs. Serving all of Asia Pacific, the Construction Industry Practice Group is backed by ACE’s financial strength, deep industry insight and large capacity.

Mr. Andrew Morris has been appointed to lead the group as Construction Head, Asia Pacific and will relocate from Sydney to Singapore, reporting to Michael Frazer, Head of Energy and Technical Lines for Asia Pacific. Presently, Mr. Morris is serving as ACE’s Construction Manager for Australia & New Zealand. Prior to his posting to Australia, he worked with the ACE European Group during 2008-2011 where he held various portfolio leadership positions. Prior to that, Mr. Morris has worked for several British and international insurers over the course of his 30-year career.

In addition, Mr. Steve Pollard has been appointed as Construction Manager, Australia & New Zealand. Prior to this new appointment, Mr. Pollard has been with the ACE European Group since 2007 based in Manchester as the Senior Regional Construction Underwriter. He has been in a variety of underwriting roles with increasing responsibility at various insurers over the course of his 17-year career. Mr. Pollard will be based in Sydney.

On these new appointments, Mr. Paul McNamee, Deputy Regional President and Regional Head of Property & Casualty for Asia Pacific, said, “The Asia Pacific region presents immense opportunity for our Construction Industry Practice Group as large commercial, infrastructure and engineering projects flourish in line with the economic development aspirations of various countries and businesses. The establishment of our Construction Industry Practice Group streamlines our broad offerings to the construction industry and provides the needed focus and commitment to meet specific industry demands. I’m confident that with both Andrew and Steve located in key business hubs, we are well positioned for clients and business partners to access our range of products and expertise so that they receive seamless, market-leading risk management solutions for their construction needs.”