HARTFORD, Conn., Nov. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- XL Insurance, the global insurance operations of XL Capital Ltd (NYSE: XL), today named Donald R. Allard as leader of its Select Professional group.

Mr. Allard, who is based in XL's Dallas office, was previously Senior Vice President, Miscellaneous Professional Liability, which includes, among others, Lawyers E&O. In his new role, he will oversee Select Professional's E&O insurance business for small and mid-size professional service firms including lawyers, consultants, third party administrators (TPAs), ad agencies, franchisers, real estate agents, insurance agents, technology companies and non-medical service providers.

Mr. Allard will report to Bernard Horovitz, XL Insurance's Chief Underwriting Officer for Global Professional. According to Mr. Horovitz, "Don's appointment is well earned. Through his leadership, diligence and determination, XL Insurance has established itself as a market leader in providing customized professional liability programs and products. Don's considerable expertise, product knowledge and enthusiasm will help XL Insurance continue to build its market reputation for underwriting expertise and client service commitment."

Mr. Allard is a 24-year insurance industry professional who helped establish XL Insurance's Select Professional unit when he joined the company in 2003. Prior to joining XL Insurance, he held underwriting and management positions at Kemper, Transatlantic Re, CNA and Great American.

"Especially in today's economy, service providers need to pay close attention to professional liability exposures to safeguard their livelihoods with appropriate insurance protection," said Mr. Allard. "To help, we continue to expand and tailor our programs to particular service industries, most recently adding coverages to address technology providers."

"Over the last five years, working with our underwriting partners, we have built up a strong book of business and a solid reputation as a specialized professional liability provider," he added. "We continue to seek new professional liability program opportunities to expand our industry-tailored professional liability programs."

About XL Insurance

"XL Insurance" is the global brand used by member insurers of the XL Capital Ltd (NYSE: XL) group of companies. More information about XL Insurance is available at www.xlinsurance.com. Through its operating subsidiaries, XL Capital Ltd is a leading provider of global insurance and reinsurance coverage and services to industrial, commercial and professional service firms, insurance companies, and other enterprises on a worldwide basis. More information about XL Capital Ltd is available at www.xlcapital.com.

SOURCE XL Insurance