Two major insurance players have confirmed senior leadership changes aimed at strengthening their underwriting and captive businesses.
QBE promotes Hannah Wilkinson to lead UK motor trade portfolio
QBE has appointed Hannah Wilkinson as underwriting manager – motor trade for the UK, effective Oct. 1, 2025.
Wilkinson (pictured above, left) steps into the role from her current position as senior motor trade underwriter, which she has held for the past two years. She brings nearly two decades of industry experience, having joined QBE in 2011 from Allianz. Based in Leeds, she will report to Jon Dye, director of underwriting – motor for QBE Europe.
In her new role, Wilkinson will oversee QBE’s motor trade portfolio, focusing on strategic direction, customer proposition development, and strengthening relationships with clients and brokers.
She succeeds Iain Bickers, who is retiring after more than 15 years in the position. Dye noted that Wilkinson’s strong technical expertise and knowledge of the sector will help her drive the business forward, while acknowledging Bickers’ contribution in materially growing QBE’s UK Motor Trade portfolio during his tenure.
Aon names Leon Walker as EMEA captives leader
Aon has announced the appointment of Leon Walker as EMEA captives leader, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
Walker (pictured above, right) joined Aon in 2022 to lead UK Inpoint, the carrier engagement team that provides data-driven consulting and advisory services to insurers and reinsurers. His career spans nearly 20 years, with senior roles at Willis Towers Watson and Lloyd’s of London, as well as leadership positions in InsurTech at Instanda and AdvantageGo.
In his new role, Walker will be responsible for driving strategy, transformation, and sustainable growth across Aon’s Captives business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He will report to Ciaran Healy, Global Captives Leader at Aon, and collaborate closely with the EMEA Risk Capital team.
The appointment underscores Aon’s commitment to strengthening its captives offering at a time when businesses are increasingly turning to captives for capital management and long-term resilience. Walker said captives are becoming “boardroom essentials” in managing risk and capital efficiency, while Healy described Walker as a proven leader who will help expand Aon’s capabilities amid growing demand for innovative risk financing solutions.
