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Watson’s steady approach at Argo Group

06 February 2012

Mark Watson, CEO of Argo, says that his firm is looking to expand, but won’t rush into any decisions.

Read more: Mark Watson Argo Bermuda North America Europe Dubai Lloyd's London

Mark Watson, CEO of Bermuda-based insurance and reinsurance firm Argo Group, is a man determined not to get carried away.

Under his leadership, the firm has gone through a thorough process of de-risking, pulling away from business lines that did not promise sufficient rewards and investigating where those options could be found.

Watson says that he sees opportunities for growth, “first, through product innovation and, second, through looking at industries and regions.”

In the developed world, he suggests, that is likely to mean an increasing focus on professional liability, followed by the energy and technology industries, specifically alternative energy cover. But Watson’s focus extends beyond developed western countries.

“When you look at where growth is likely to occur, you immediately think of Asia, India, Russia, different parts of Latin America and parts of the Middle East, but we can’t be everywhere at once,” he says.

“Everyone’s thinking about...


  • Hurricane Bud 28 May 2012 - UPDATED 25 MAY A hurricane warning is in effect for over 150 ...
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  • Tropical Storm Sanvu 28 May 2012 - UPDATED 25 MAY As of 12:00UTC on Friday, 25 May, Typhoon Sanvu ...
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Poll

What return on equity do you expect the reinsurance industry to make this year on average?

Negative
20%
0% to 5%
20%
5% to 10%
40%
10% to 15%
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More than 15%
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Quote

If last year was the year of the cat, then this year could be the year of the debt crisis.

Mike Van Slooten, head of international market analysis at Aon Benfield