Pillar Capital and CEO Chris McKeown part ways

Pillar Capital Holdings Limited, the Bermuda-based ILS and reinsurance-linked investment manager which was formerly known as Juniperus Capital has announced a change to its senior management as it parts ways with its CEO of less than eight months. The insurance asset manager, focused on ILS, catastrophe bonds and collateralized reinsurance said that Chief Executive Officer Chris McKeown has left the company under mutual agreement as of 31st January.

McKeown, a veteran of the reinsurance sector was formerly a Vice Chairman at broker Guy Carpenter prior to which he led two reinsurers capitalised by hedge fund Citadel Investment Group LLC; CIG Reinsurance Ltd. and New Castle Reinsurance Co. Ltd. He joined Pillar Capital back in May 2012 at the same time as the firm changed its brand from Juniperus.

Operational management of Pillar Capital will be assumed by Executive Chairman Phil Lotz. The announcement from the firm said that the senior management team, who have been together since the firms inception, will continue to execute on Pillar’s plan for growth. Specifically, the firm says it will look to strengthen its marketing function and back office capabilities.

“We thank Chris for his contributions to the Company and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” commented Mr. Lotz. “I, along with the rest of the senior management team, look forward to continuing to expand the company with the support of all of our strategic partners, including our most recent investors, Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Alleghany Corporation. It is an exciting time for Pillar – we just wrapped up a very strong renewal season, have an excellent pipeline of interested investors, and we look forward to seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Back in December Pillar Capital announced its new strategic investors, Transatlantic Holdings, Inc. and Alleghany Corporation.