MANAMA, Bahrain—ACE European Group Ltd. on Wednesday said it has named Stephen Dixon as regional managing director of the insurer's Middle East and North Africa operations.

Mr. Dixon will oversee operations in Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and is based in Manama, Bahrain, the London-based unit of ACE Group of Cos. Inc. said in a statement.

Subject to regulatory approval, he is to succeed Giles Ward, who had led the unit since 2006 and has been promoted to CEO of ACE Australia & New Zealand based in Sydney.

Mr. Dixon has held several senior management posts since he joined ACE in 1999, most recently as regional vp and director of ACE Far East.

To see more executive appointments, go to Business Insurance's Comings & Goings section.