Trade credit insurer Atradius has chosen Alun Sweeney as its new commercial head for its UK and Ireland business.

In his new role, Sweeney will be responsible for all of the insurance firm’s commercial activities in the UK and Ireland.

Insurance veteran Sweeney moves to the post from his role in the company’s Hong Kong office running the global new markets proposition, where he headed up business in the UAE, India, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.

He also had some responsibilities in other Asia Pacific countries during his five-year placement.

Before moving to Asia, Sweeney worked for over a decade with the Norwich Union group before joining Atradius UK’s global unit in 1998.

“We are delighted that Alun has accepted the challenge of leading Atradius UK and Ireland’s commercial business. Alun brings an excellent understanding of the challenges of both international and domestic trade facing business of all sizes and sectors,” says Peter Ingenlath, chief market officer at Atradius.