XL Group, a global insurance and reinsurance company, has appointed Mary-Ellen Fiske as vice president for Umbrella and Excess Manager at its Surplus Lines unit.

Fiske will be based at XL’s Chicago office, and will report to XL Group’s Surplus Lines Casualty business head and chief underwriting officer David Halm.

XL Group Surplus Lines unit president Roxanne Mitchell said Fiske will help accelerate the company’s growth in wholesale umbrella business.

"Our Surplus Lines unit has gone through a significant transformation over the last year. We’ve added property back to our product lineup, introduced new lines like excess auto and railroad insurance and expanded our wholesale distribution network," Mitchell added.

"Our goal is become a formidable competitor in the surplus lines market. And attracting underwriting experts like Mimi is going to help us achieve that goal."

Prior to joining XL Group, Fiske served as vice president and casualty broker for Peachtree Special Risk.

Fiske worked as vice president and excess casualty division manager at Argo Group, and also held underwriting management positions with Liberty International and General Star Management.