Juniperus Capital adds Chris McKeown as new CEO, announces rebranding

Juniperus Capital, the Bermuda-based insurance- linked investment manager focused on collateralized reinsurance, catastrophe bonds and insurance-linked securities, today announced that a veteran of the re/insurance industry Chris McKeown has joined the firm as Chief Executive Officer. They also announced today that the firm intends to rebrand themselves within the next few weeks.

McKeown joins from his most recent role with Guy Carpenter which saw him serve as Vice Chairman of North America Broking. With 25 years experience in the re/insurance sector McKeown is a valuable hire for Juniperus Capital. Prior to his time at Guy Carpenter McKeown was President and CEO of CIG Reinsurance Ltd. and New Castle Reinsurance Co. Ltd., two companies formed and capitalised with funds from capital market investor backed and hedge fund manager Citadel Investment Group LLC. As such McKeown will not be unfamiliar with the world of investor backed reinsurance and insurance-linked asset management.

Back in January, Juniperus Capital was acquired by private-equity firm Aquiline Capital Partners, who bought out the existing shareholders. Then in April, Marsh & McLennan acquired a minority stake in Juniperus as well. Given the changes the firm has undergone and their renewed and broader focus Juniperus have also announced today that they will be rebranding as Pillar Capital Management in the coming weeks.

McKeown will succeed Phil Lotz who served as CEO previously. Lotz will remain with the firm as Executive Chairman.

“I am excited to lead Juniperus in our next phase of growth. The existing management team and I look forward to partnering with Aquiline, Marsh & McLennan Companies and investors to participate in the collateralized reinsurance and catastrophe insurance-linked securities market,” said Mr. McKeown. “The collateralized reinsurance market has grown significantly since 2004, and Juniperus is well-positioned as an independent asset manager dedicated to reinsurance risk.”

“We are very excited for Chris to join our team as he will be a tremendous asset in this new chapter of the company’s growth,” said Mr. Lotz. “I look forward to collaborating with Chris and our partners.”

Jeff Greenberg, Chief Executive of Aquiline, said, “Chris brings a unique blend of operating experience and underwriting expertise in the alternative reinsurance space. I believe he is ideally-suited to lead Juniperus. With Chris at the helm, we hope to create an industry leading platform to satisfy varying investor appetites to deploy assets in the reinsurance arena. I look forward to working with Chris and the management team going forward.”