QBE restructures business

With immediate effect, QBE will operate four product underwriting divisions: casualty and motor, property, marine and energy and reinsurance and specialist.

QBE’s three distribution channels – London market, UK national and Ireland, and European markets - will also come together to operate under one division.

The insurer said the new organisation “makes it simpler for brokers and clients to access key decision makers and underwriting expertise”.

The casualty and motor division will be headed by Ash Bathia, property by Bernard Mageean, marine and energy by Colin O’Farrell, reinsurance and specialist by Jonathan Parry and distribution by Terry Whittaker.

QBE also brings together its three distribution channels - London Market, UK national and European markets - into one central distribution platform. Mr Whittaker will manage QBE’s eight offices in UK and Ireland regions, as well as fifteen European country operations. Doron Grossman will continue to lead the European country businesses reporting to Mr Whittaker.

John Neal, chief underwriting officer of QBE’s European Operations, commented: “Our focus remains on delivering a quality underwriting proposition to clients and brokers alike. With their experience and commitment to our business, the proven talent we have in our new divisional leaders will be key in the next phase of our development.

“We are continually looking for ways to improve and evolve, and the new structure will offer a highly scalable platform from which we can continue to build our business both rganically and through further acquisition.”

Steven Burns, chief executive officer of QBE’s European Operations, added, “We continue to segment our business and look for ways to improve our profitability and efficiency. This initiative is an evolution of the changes we have already made, and will reinforce our position as a leading specialist business insurer, well prepared for strong growth when the market turns.”