QBE has named Stephen Geisler (pictured left) as chief executive officer for South Asia and Ross Bethell (pictured right) as head of partnerships for its Asia operations.
Both executives will operate out of Singapore and report to Rob Kosova, CEO of QBE Asia.
Geisler will take up his new position on Sept. 23, replacing Ronak Shah, who currently leads QBE Singapore and has recently taken on the role of CEO for Wholesale Markets Asia.
Geisler brings more than 35 years of experience with QBE, spanning multiple functions and markets, including underwriting across global and Asian operations.
In his expanded role, he will oversee QBE Singapore directly and provide guidance for QBE Malaysia, setting business strategy and leading underwriting teams.
Bethell, starting Sept. 1, will lead QBE’s broker channel strategy across Asia. His responsibilities include managing key partner relationships in strategic markets and coordinating with local broker teams to enhance regional performance.
Bethell has over 20 years of industry experience, most recently serving as chief client officer of South Asia at Marsh.
Kosova said having both leaders join the company at this stage is important as its continue to focus on consolidating its wholesale markets and expanding its presence across Asia.
“Both bring with them dedication, passion, and important experience across the insurance and reinsurance spectrum – and I look forward to them contributing to our continued efforts in the region,” he said.
The appointments come alongside QBE’s half-year financial disclosure, which showed a net profit of US$1.02 billion, a 27% increase from the previous year.
Net insurance revenue exceeded US$8.81 billion, while gross written premium rose 6% to US$13.8 billion.
QBE Group CEO Andrew Horton said the results reflect balanced performance across product lines and regions and position us to meet our full-year targets.
The group’s overall combined operating ratio improved to 92.8%. In the Australia Pacific segment, which includes Australia and New Zealand, gross written premium fell 1% to US$2,583 million, but the operating ratio improved to 86.8% from 95.6%, attributed to reduced catastrophe claims.
The company noted that total natural catastrophe costs for the period were US$479 million, despite severe wildfires in California and active storm and flood events in North America and Australia.
Horton said the firm remains focused on providing support to affected clients.
Investment income for the half year amounted to US$788 million, a 2.4% return, with dividends per share set at 31 US cents.
