CHICAGO, Jan. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The insurance segment of XL Group plc ("XL") (NYSE: XL) adds Excess Auto to its Excess & Surplus (E&S) product offerings and hires Michael Gramm to manage the new product line. Mr. Gramm joins as Vice President - Excess Auto and will be based in Chicago, reporting to Roxanne Mitchell, President of XL's E&S unit.

According to Ms. Mitchell, "This year is going to be a busy year for our E&S team as we gear up to enhance both our surplus lines products and distribution. In just the last six months, we have added both railroad and property expertise to more coverages that our clients need. Now, using Mike's underwriting skill and direction, our new Excess Auto capabilities allow us even more opportunity to address our brokers and clients' complex risk needs."

Mr. Gramm joins XL's E&S from Markel Corporation where he was Director, Transportation Product Lines. He brings a decade of dedicated transportation risk management experience honed in underwriting and management positions at Risk Specialists Companies, a division of CHARTIS and National Interstate Insurance Company. Mr. Gramm earned an MBA from Case Western Reserve University and his undergraduate degree from Towson University.

About XL's Insurance Segment

The Insurance segment of XL Group plc offers property, casualty, professional and specialty insurance products globally. Businesses that are moving the world forward choose XL as their partner. To learn more, visit www.xlgroup.com/insurance

About XL Group plc

XL Group plc, through its subsidiaries, is a global insurance and reinsurance company providing property, casualty and specialty products to industrial, commercial and professional firms, insurance companies and other enterprises throughout the world. XL is the company clients look to for answers to their most complex risks and to help move their world forward. Its principal offices are located at No.1 Hatch Street Upper, 4th Floor, Dublin 2, Ireland. To learn more, visit www.xlgroup.com

SOURCE XL Group