QBE Re sets eyes on expansion in Latin America with latest move

QBE Re, the reinsurance arm of  QBE Insurance Group, has revealed the next step in its strategy to expand presence in the LatAm region where we see considerable opportunity.

The reinsurer is opening a new office in Colombia, and has made a key regional hire to support local reinsurance in Latin America.

The new office will be located in Bogotá and will be writing life reinsurance business. It will be led by Christian Hofmann who has been appointed client manager (LatAm life) for QBE Re.

Hofmann joins QBE Re from Howden, where he was LatAm director of life & health and brings over 10 years of experience to the role. In his new role, he will be responsible for the Life reinsurance portfolio in the region and reports to Peter Wilkins, head of specialty and life for QBE Re.

Steve Postlewhite, managing director, global reinsurance at QBE Europe, said: “Having a dedicated office in Colombia is the next step in our strategy to expand our presence in this region where we see considerable opportunity. This reinforces our commitment to the region and allows us to be closer to our clients to help provide more localised and immediate support. Christian brings extensive knowledge of the local markets and the Life reinsurance market to the new role.”

The office is the second in the region for QBE Re, having established a local presence in Argentina in 2016, led by Guido Wolman, business development manager for QBE Re, with a portfolio focus in property and casualty reinsurance.

Postlewhite added: “With more than 25 years of commitment to our Latin America clients, we are really happy to open another office here. The Bogotá office will provide a new channel for our Life clients, following the establishment of our Property & Casualty office in Buenos Aires.”

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