QBE Re overhauls global structure to ‘remain relevant’ in dynamic market

QBE Re, the reinsurance arm of  QBE Insurance Group, has made significant changes to its organisational structure in a move to “ensure the business remains relevant” in an increasingly dynamic market.

The changes are a part of its strategy to align and unify the global structure of the business under managing director Steve Postlewhite.

QBE Re will now coordinate the underwriting of all its products, property, casualty, accident & health, specialty, and life reinsurance, across all locations in which it operates.

This would result in a number of senior executive changes and reporting lines.

Peter Wilkins will take up the newly created position of chief underwriting officer of QBE Re. In his new role, he will take ownership of underwriting performance, strategy, and planning. He is based in London and will continue to report to Postlewhite.

Paul Horgan will become head of property, Tim Barber head of casualty, Simon Parkinson head of accident & health, Shane Lawlor head of specialty, and Bruno Guelle head of life of QBE Re.

The global product leaders will report to Peter Wilkins, and be responsible for providing underwriting expertise, governance, and oversight for each product globally.

QBE said the new structure is designed to “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.”

Postlewhite explained: “We continue to see considerable growth opportunities across the products that we offer. Our new structure will enable us to deliver on our strategic ambitions for sustainable growth.”

“Our aim is to create a QBE Re that is easier to do business with and creates a more consistent experience globally for our clients as our teams work more collaboratively across all of our offices,” Postlewhite said.

“QBE Re is a strong business but in order to achieve our aspirations we need to continue to adapt and evolve to meet changing client’s needs. This is a critical step in that process.”

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