United States Aviation Underwriters Announces Management Changes.

STAMFORD, Conn. -- United States Aviation Underwriters, Inc., a subsidiary of General Re Corporation, announced today a number of management changes.

David L. McKay has been promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. McKay has 28 years of underwriting and management experience with USAU, holding positions of increasing responsibility in safety engineering, accident investigation services, and general aviation, as well as airline and aerospace manufacturing products/special risks underwriting. Mr. McKay's previous position was Chief Underwriter. He is a summa cum laude MBA graduate from The College of Insurance and received his BS degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Tad Montross, President and Chief Underwriting Officer of General Re Corporation, said, "Throughout his career at USAU, Dave has exhibited a high degree of integrity and the leadership qualities that make him the ideal candidate for Chief Operating Officer."

Victor G. D'Avanzo was named Senior Vice President and General Aviation Underwriting Manager. Mr. D'Avanzo started his career with United States Aviation Underwriters in 1981, immediately following his graduation from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager of the New York Branch in 1986 and to Branch Manager in 1988, a position he has held since. Prior to his promotion, Mr. D'Avanzo also directed Commercial and Special Risks accounts on a national basis.

Dennis J. Doody was named Senior Vice President and Claims Division Manager. Mr. Doody has 25 years of claims management experience at USAU. He has managed all aspects of major aviation liability litigation from investigation to trial. Mr. Doody received his JD degree from Fordham University and his BA degree from Iona College. Mr. Doody was most recently the Deputy Director of Claims.

William J. Lichte has been named Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Lichte joined United States Aviation Underwriters in 1976 as a member of the accounting department. He has held a number of progressively responsible positions, including Controller. In 1995, Mr. Lichte was transferred to the Reinsurance Department, and in January 1997 was promoted to Senior Vice President, Reinsurance, the position he held immediately prior to his promotion to CFO. Mr. Lichte received an MBA in Finance from Pace University and a BS in Accounting from Fordham University.

William D. Barnett, Jr., Executive Vice President, Finance, will continue to report directly to Michael L. Sweeney, Chairman and CEO of United States Aviation Underwriters.

Russell M. Mirabile, Senior Vice President, will become Associate General Counsel in USAU's Legal/Regulatory Department, reporting directly to the USAU General Counsel, Leslie J. Davis.

Michael L. Sweeney said, "With our new management team, we will continue to deliver the innovation, underwriting expertise and superior service that USAU clients expect."

Joseph P. Brandon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Re Corporation, said, "The individuals promoted today have each made exceptionally valuable contributions to USAU. We are fortunate and pleased to promote them to senior leadership roles that will ensure USAU's continued position as the leading aviation insurer."

General Re Corporation, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., is a holding company for global reinsurance and related operations. United States Aviation Underwriters, Inc. is the manager of the USAIG aviation and aerospace pools that provide a complete set of insurance coverages for owners, operators, manufacturers and maintainers of private, corporate and commercial aircraft.