GREENWICH, Conn.—W.R. Berkley Corp. has named W. Robert Berkley Jr. president and chief operating officer, effective immediately.

In a statement Tuesday, the Greenwich, Conn.-based insurer said its board of directors approved the appointment of Mr. Berkley, who had been executive vp since 2005.

Mr. Berkley will manage all W.R. Berkley operating units, adding the reinsurance and international segments to his responsibilities.

In his prior role, he oversaw the company’s domestic insurance operations, including its specialty, regional and alternative markets businesses. Mr. Berkley has been on the company’s board of directors since 2001 and held various other positions at the insurer, including senior vp of specialty operations, the company said.

Founding Chairman and Chief Executive Officer William R. Berkley could not immediately be reached for comment.