Following the death of Antares CEO Michael van der Straaten, Ahmed El Tabbakh, chief commercial officer of Antares parent company QIC International Group, will lead the Antares business on an interim basis while a new leadership structure is finalized.
Antares said in a statement on Monday: “It is with great sadness that we announce that Antares CEO Michael van der Straaten passed away unexpectedly this weekend after a short illness.
“Antares and QIC send our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences to Mike’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Van der Straaten has more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry and has held senior positions at companies including Europa Re, Canopius Group and Chubb.
He later became CEO of Qatar Insurance Company’s European reinsurance arm, overseeing its transformation into Antares, and was appointed CEO of the business in 2020.
Following his death, Ahmed El Tabbakh will lead the Antares business on an interim basis while the company finalizes its long-term leadership arrangements.
El Tabbakh joined QIC Group in 2011 and has over nine years of industry experience. He is described as having extensive knowledge and expertise in auditing, consulting and financial services, servicing clients across a variety of industries.
Prior to joining QIC Group, El Tabbakh held audit and consulting roles with KPMG in Qatar and Egypt.
