QBE Re managing director steps down amid structural shake-up

The managing director of  QBE Insurance Group’s specialist reinsurance arm  QBE Re has stepped down after a four-year tenure, following a recent  overhaul of its global structure in a move to “remain relevant” in an increasingly dynamic market. He joined the business in 2018 from Aspen.

Steve Postlewhite (pictured) has decided to leave the business, with Peter Wilkins assuming the role of interim managing director and overseeing  QBE Re’s new global alignment strategy and development plans revealed in May.

The company said a search is underway to appoint a new managing director for  QBE Re.

Postlewhite joined  QBE Re in November 2018 as deputy global chief underwriting officer, before he  moved to head up its reinsurance business in April 2021. He has nearly 25 years of experience in the re/insurance industry, including as  CEO of Aspen Re and later as CEO of Bermuda-based Aspen Insurance. Previously, he also held the roles of chief actuary and chief risk officer at Aspen Insurance.

QBE Re has recently overhauled its structure in a move it hopes will “respond to and better reflect current market dynamics, and ensure the business remains relevant, influential and continues to provide high quality service to existing and new clients and the broker community.”

As part of the new structure, global product leaders were appointed for each of  QBE Re's lines of business, reporting to Peter Wilkins who assumed the newly created role of chief underwriting officer,  QBE Re taking ownership of underwriting performance, strategy, and planning.

The global product leaders will be responsible for providing underwriting expertise, governance, and oversight for each product globally. Local offices in Bermuda, Dubai, Europe (Brussels & Dublin), London and New York will continue to be led by a general manager who is responsible for strategic development, growth initiatives and delivery of the P&L in each location, working closely with the CUO and global product leaders.

“We remain focused and committed to bringing to fruition our ambitious plans for the business. Our well received plans will enable us to deliver our strategic ambitions for sustainable growth and ensure we create a more consistent experience globally for our customers,” said Jason Harris, CEO of  QBE International.

He added: “On a personal note, I would like to thank Steve for his contribution to  QBE during his time with us.”

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