PartnerRe names top executives in wake of Exor acquisition

John Elkann has been appointed chairman of PartnerRe Ltd., and Emmanuel Clarke has been named its president and CEO, the reinsurer said Thursday.

Mr. Elkann, based in New York, is the chairman and CEO of Turin, Italy-based Exor S.p.A. Mr. Clarke, based in Zurich, previously was president of Pembroke, Bermuda-based PartnerRe, PartnerRe said in a statement.

“I am honored to assume the role of chairman of PartnerRe, and very pleased that we can appoint from within the company a CEO of the caliber and experience of Emmanuel Clarke. His intimate knowledge of PartnerRe and his deep understanding of the sector will prove crucial as we embrace the challenges and the many exciting opportunities we have in front of us,” Mr. Elkann said in a statement.

PartnerRe had been the target of a takeover battle that pitted Exor against Pembroke-based Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. Exor ultimately acquired PartnerRe for $6.8 billion.