Bermuda, Oct. 21, 2009 (PRNewswire-FirstCall) -- Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd (NYSE: AWH) today announced several key executive level promotions. As Allied World continues to expand operations in the United States, Europe and Asia, several strategic positions were realigned in order to best serve clients and handle emerging infrastructure needs.

David Bell has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd. Mr. Bell will handle the company's global day-to-day operating activities, directing the implementation of the organization's strategic processes, procedures, controls and projects, including operations, claims, facilities and administration.

John Bender has been named President of Allied World Reinsurance Company, the company's U.S. reinsurance subsidiary. Mr. Bender will continue to run the day-to-day management of Allied World Reinsurance Company and is responsible for building and managing Allied World's U.S. reinsurance operations.

Bobby Bowden, Executive Vice President, U.S. Business Development and Marketing, will assume additional management responsibility for Allied World's U.S. branch network. Mr. Bowden will continue to oversee business development and marketing within the United States and supervise all U.S. branch offices.

Joan Dillard has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd. Ms. Dillard will continue to head the company's Finance Department globally and be responsible for overseeing Allied World's and its subsidiaries' investment portfolios.

Wesley Dupont has been promoted to Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd. Mr. Dupont will continue to head the company's Legal and Compliance Department globally and manage the company's legal, compliance, corporate secretarial and governmental affairs.

Frank D'Orazio has been named President, Bermuda and International Insurance, of Allied World Assurance Company, Ltd. Mr. D'Orazio will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and executing business strategies for the Bermuda and European insurance platforms.

Marshall Grossack has been named Executive Vice President, Chief Actuary of Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd.