Everest Re Group, Ltd. (NYSE:RE) announced today that Stephan Knipper joins the Company as Managing Director Continental Europe (subject to regulatory approval) based in Zurich.

Stephan joins Everest with more than 25 years of industry experience, most recently as CEO and President, Axis Re Europe where he was instrumental in building a strong European platform. Prior to joining Axis in 2003, Stephan had been a Member of the Board of Gerling Global Re, Cologne in addition to holding executive director positions for various Gerling subsidiaries. Mr. Knipper has a degree in Economics from University Freiburg and holds a law degree from University Bonn.

Andrew Carrier, Head of European and Asia Pacific Operations, commented, “Stephan’s leadership track record in the European reinsurance market speaks for itself. We are excited to have someone of his calibre join our team and help build our Zurich presence in the market.”

John Doucette CEO of Everest Re Reinsurance Division further commented “Hiring a leader such as Stephan underlines our commitment to the Zurich market and the development of our Continental European strategy.”

Everest Re Group, Ltd. is a Bermuda holding company that operates through the following subsidiaries: Everest Reinsurance Company provides reinsurance to property and casualty insurers in both the U.S. and international markets. Everest Reinsurance (Bermuda), Ltd., including through its branch in the United Kingdom, provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets and reinsurance to life insurers. Everest Reinsurance Company (Ireland), Limited provides reinsurance to non-life insurers in Europe. Everest National Insurance Company and Everest Security Insurance Company provide property and casualty insurance to policyholders in the U.S. Everest Indemnity Insurance Company offers excess and surplus lines insurance in the U.S. Everest Insurance Company of Canada provides property and casualty insurance to policyholders in Canada. The Company also operates within the Lloyd's insurance market through Syndicate 2786. In addition, through Mt. Logan Re, Ltd., the Company manages segregated accounts, capitalized by the Company and third party investors, that provide reinsurance for property catastrophe risks. Additional information on Everest Re Group companies can be found at the Group’s web site at www.everestregroup.com.