Arch Capital Group Ltd., the Bermuda-based insurer and reinsurer, has appointed Daniel J. Houston as Chair of the company’s Board of Directors, succeeding John M. Pasquesi who has made the decision to step down as Chair.
Pasquesi, who has been Chair since September 2019 and has also served as a director at Arch since 2001 will reportedly remain a director and a member of the company’s Executive Committee. If nominated, he intends to stand for reelection to the Board at the Company’s 2027 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders.
Moreover, Houston, who joined Arch’s Board in August 2024, is also set to become Chair of the Executive Committee.
According to Arch Capital, this transition follows a planned succession process and the Board’s review of its leadership and committee chair roles as part of its ongoing governance practices after Pasquesi’s decision to step down as Chair.
Houston is the retired Chair of Principal Financial Group (Principal) and its former president and CEO. Throughout his career at Principal, which began back in 1984, Houston served in a series of senior leadership positions before becoming president and CEO in 2015 and Chair in 2016.
Houston retired from Principal in 2025.
At the same time, the company also confirmed that Brian S. Posner will join its Executive Committee while continuing to serve on the Compensation and Human Capital Committee and as Chair of the Finance, Investment and Risk Committee.
Arch Capital also announced that Francis Ebong will become Chair of the Compensation and Human Capital Committee, of which he has been a member, in addition to maintaining his current roles on the Audit and Nominating and Governance Committees.
“It has been an honor to serve as Chair of Arch’s Board for the past seven years,” said Pasquesi.
He continued: “Arch is fortunate to have several experienced directors capable of leading the Board, and Dan is the right person to serve as our next Chair. I believe his leadership experience will be particularly valuable as Arch continues to scale. I look forward to supporting a smooth transition and continuing to work with Dan, my fellow directors and Arch’s management team.”
Houston also commented: “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as Chair of Arch’s Board. John has been part of Arch’s Board since its earliest days, and his leadership, judgment and deep knowledge of the Company have been invaluable. I am excited to continue to work with Nicolas, his executive team and my fellow directors to help position the Company for continued success.”
Nicolas Papadopoulo, Chief Executive Officer of Arch, added: “I want to thank John for his leadership of our Board. John was Chair when I became CEO, and I am deeply grateful for his trusted counsel, support and commitment to Arch. I have also had the opportunity to get to know Dan well over the past couple of years. I believe his experience, perspective and leadership make him the right person to serve as our next Chair, and I look forward to working closely with him as we build on Arch’s strong foundation and move the Company forward.”
