Long-serving Beazley boss takes reins at Australian re/insurer

Following the struggles of the previous year that resulted in a management reshuffle and sudden  forced departure of Pat Regan, Australian carrier  QBE has finally landed a new permanent group chief executive officer (CEO).

Former Beazley boss Andrew Horton has taken on his new role of group chief executive officer (CEO) of QBE, as revealed by the re/insurer in March.

QBE Insurance Group parted ways with its former CEO Regan in September 2020, after it was found that he had "exercised poor judgement". Regan had been the group CEO of QBE for three years.

Prior to joining QBE, Horton led the UK-listed specialist insurer Beazley since 2008, and before that, was chief financial officer of the company. During his tenure as CEO, Horton profitably grew the business by around 10 percent per annum, increased market value and added international operations on what was purely London-based when he joined in 2003.

QBE described Horton as an "inclusive and collaborative executive, known for driving positive change and high performance."

"With more than 30 years’ experience across insurance and banking, his deep understanding of the insurance landscape and the opportunities and challenges across each of our markets, see him well placed to build QBE for the future," said the company.

Horton commented: “ QBE is a strong international insurer with an impressive global footprint and talented people. I’m excited to join the team and look forward to continuing to support QBE’s people, customers, shareholders and broader communities.”

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