XL's Surety unit continues build out, adding Jim Hoyas as Executive Underwriter in Baltimore

Baltimore, MD - November 16, 2011

BALTIMORE, November 16, 2011 – To support increasing demand for surety and performance guarantee products, XL Group plc’s (“XL”) (NYSE: XL) Surety unit is expanding with the addition of James M. Hoyas as Vice President and Executive Underwriter. Mr. Hoyas will be based in XL’s Baltimore office and report to Bill Mills, Senior Vice President of Underwriting - Surety.Commenting on Mr. Hoyas’ appointment, Mr. Mills said: “Our success and growth has driven the need to expand our team. So, we’re honored and excited to have Jim join us. He brings a wealth of experience, talent and energy in addition to a proven track record in serving customer needs at an extremely high level. We are working hard to bring the very best industry talent to provide our customers with high-quality surety and project guarantee solutions. Jim will help in those efforts by directing our underwriting teams and managing day-to-day broker and customer relationships.”Prior to joining XL, Mr. Hoyas has held various Surety underwriting and management positions with the United States Fidelity and Guarantee Company, St. Paul Fire and Marine Insurance Company, and Zurich. He is a graduate of Towson University in Baltimore, with a degree in Business Administration and has earned the Associate in Fidelity and Surety Bonding (AFSB) designation, as well as the Associate in General Insurance (AINS) designation.About XL’s Insurance SegmentThe 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/insuranceAbout XL Group plcXL 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