Everest Re Group Ltd. hired Dane Lopes as head of sales and distribution for U.S.insurance operations as disruption in the industry pushes established firms to solidify relationships with clients and industry middlemen.

Lopes joins from Swiss Re AG, where he was senior vice president and sales leader for the U.S. Eastern and Southern regions, Bermuda-based Everest Re said Tuesday in a statement. Lopes will be based in New York.

Everest Re is facing competition from hedge-fund linked ventures that have pushed into the Bermuda reinsurance market to gain tax advantage and add to their investment portfolios. Also, companies such as XL Group Plc and Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd. have announced takeovers to gain scale. Everest Re in February hired Jonathan Zaffino from broker Marsh & McLennan Cos. as president of U.S. insurance.

“Well regarded by the broker community, Dane brings an exceptional background and proven track record,” Zaffino said in the statement. “Dane will lead all facets of our sales, marketing, and distribution efforts as we continue the expansive growth of our U.S. insurance platform.”

Before Lopes joined Swiss Re in 2012, he worked at XL Global Asset Protection Services, a former unit of General Electric Co., according to the statement. He received a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University and an MBA from Seton Hall University.

Representatives from Swiss Re didn’t immediately return a call and e-mail requesting comment.