Berkshire Hathaway names new head of Australasia operations

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) has announced the appointment of Mark Lingafelter as president of BHSI Australasia. He will take the role of Chris Colahan, who is moving to head the specialty insurance’s operation in the UK & Europe.

Lingafelter brings more than 30 years of experience in the global insurance market, including his most recent role as chief underwriting officer, Asia-Pacific, for QBE Insurance. Prior to this, he was also a managing director at Chubb Insurance Company of Australia.

BHSI president and chief executive officer Peter Eastwood said Lingafelter is “well qualified” to lead the company’s growth in New Zealand and Australia. In his new role, Lingafelter will be based in BHSI’s Sydney office.

Eastwood also said BHSI looks forward to adding Colahan’s energy and expertise to its expanding European team and operations. Colahan joined BHSI in 2015, previously serving as the chief executive officer of Asia and Hong Kong, for the RSA Insurance Group. He will be based in the BHSI London office.

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