ACE USA Launches Podcast to Address Risk Management Considerations for Managing Kidnapping, Extortion, and Other Global Security Risks

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Media Contact:
Carla Ferrara
ACE INA Communications
215.640.4744
carla.ferrara@ace-ina.com

ACE USA Launches Podcast to Address Risk Management Considerations for Managing Kidnapping, Extortion, and Other Global Security Risks

PHILADELPHIA – February 27, 2007 – ACE USA, the U.S.-based retail operating division of the ACE Group of Companies, today announced that it has launched an audio podcast, or Internet-distributed program, on “Managing Kidnapping, Extortion, and Other Global Security Risks,” a white paper written by Jean McDermott-Lucey, Vice President, ACE Professional Risk, that was recently published in The John Liner Review. The white paper provides corporate risk managers with insight into the nature of global security risks and the factors that drive it, and examines various types of risks, including the dynamics of kidnapping and extortion.

“Understanding an organization’s global security risk is the first step toward managing it. Risk does not occur in a vacuum. Event-driven, it evolves at the speed of change, and is affected by geo-political shifts, local customs and regulations, and countless other variables,” said Ms. McDermott-Lucey. “Understanding global risk means doing your homework: be aware of extortion, kidnapping and other security risks wherever employees live and conduct business, and where physical business assets exist.”

The podcast, the third in an occasional series of audio podcasts that ACE USA has launched on selected risk management topics, also provides an informative overview of the rise in kidnapping and extortion incidents and the resulting costly consequences to private sector and non-profit organizations. Considerations for assessing and managing global security risk are also discussed, including core essentials for selecting an expert crises control consultant, and key elements of a global security risk response plan.

Ms. McDermott-Lucey added, “Organizations that have identified and evaluated global security risks, and have designed an effective response plan, are able to manage crises rather than letting crises manage them. Tackling global security risk at the front-end, before liability occurs, is vital. Proactive planning and preparation can keep incidents from spiraling into crises. Selecting a true global carrier with the in-country presence, worldwide network, flexible products and services, underwriting and claims expertise, and financial strength to shoulder your organization’s global risk, is paramount.”

To access the ACE Professional Risk podcast audio program featuring Ms. McDermott-Lucey’s discussion of global security trends, issues and risk management issues, please visit www.ace-ina.com/podcasts. Please note, the program is approximately 26 minutes in length.

Staffed by a team of innovative underwriters, ACE Professional Risk is the operating unit within ACE USA, which distributes management liability, professional liability and surety products through retail brokers throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information about ACE Professional Risk and its range of products and services, please visit: www.aceprofessionalrisk.com.

The material presented in the podcast is not intended to provide legal or other expert advice as to any of the subjects mentioned but is presented for general information only. Readers should consult knowledgeable legal counsel or other experts as to any legal or other questions they may have. The above is only a summary; please see actual policies for terms and conditions.

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ACE USA is the U.S.-based retail operating division of the ACE Group of Companies, headed by ACE Limited (NYSE: ACE), and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company and A+ (Strong) by Standard & Poor’s. ACE USA, through its underwriting companies, provides insurance products and services throughout the U.S. Additional information on ACE USA and its products and services can be found at www.ace-ina.com. The ACE Group of Companies provides insurance and reinsurance for a diverse group of clients around the world.