Robert Cooney has resigned as chief executive of Max Re following the announcement that the audit and risk management committee has re-opened its internal investigation into a series of finite transactions.

Marston Becker has been named chairman and acting chief executive.

The internal investigation, which had concluded in May 2006, was initiated to consider whether three finite risk retrocessional contracts were properly accounted for by the company.

As previously reported, the first review supported the company's original determination that the contracts contained sufficient risk transfer to be accounted for as reinsurance.

Recently, however, the committee received from the counter-party to these two contracts additional information that was unknown and unavailable at the conclusion of the initial internal investigation.

The new information has raised the possibility of the existence of an oral agreement that would negate risk transfer.

"After founding and leading Max Re for seven years, I have submitted my resignation because I believe it is in the best interests of the company to do so,” said Cooney. “I am confident that Max Re will continue to succeed and grow under the new management team put in place”.

Read also...

Max Re focuses on aviation despite 'difficulties'
Max Re will restate 2001-2005 results
Max Re net income expected to be $74.2m

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.