New Americas CEO for QBE

QBE has appointed John Rumpler as chief executive of its Americas Division at today's Annual General Meeting with shareholders.

Rumpler will assume his new role, based out of the division’s New York headquarters, in June. His previous position with QBE was group general manager, credit & surety.

Since joining QBE in 1997, he has led the development of the credit, surety and lenders mortgage insurance business. Initially focused in Australia, this business has grown to operations in 13 countries and more than AU$550 million in gross written premium.

Under Rumpler's management, the Americas Division will continue its strategy of growth and focused diversification. Its substantial business comprises four distinct operating units: QBE Regional, QBE Reinsurance and QBE Specialty in the United States and QBE Latin America in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.

In a statement, QBE said: "The Americas Division produced a solid financial result in 2008, despite challenging market conditions and a heightened loss environment due to a record frequency of catastrophes. Its net income was $236 million on its $3.7 billion in gross written premium, which increased more than 22 percent from 2007."

Rumpler said: “QBE has a stable and proven leadership team in the Americas. They continue to deliver quality underwriting results and exceptional service to ensure our competitive position in diverse markets.

“I look forward to working more closely with them to further strengthen our balance sheet and the long-term financial health of our Company, partners and shareholders.”

Rumpler succeeds QBE’s chief operating officer Vince McLenaghan, who also served as acting president and chief executive of the Americas division since June 2008. He will continue in his role as chief operating officer for QBE’s global operations. “We expect a seamless transition,” said McLenaghan. “In John’s previous role, he was closely involved in the development of our U.S. Trade Credit and Surety business, and recently in the acquisitions of the Exporters team and ZC Sterling. He is well equipped to take the helm and continue QBE’s momentum in the Americas.”

(New York, N.Y.) — During today’s Annual General Meeting with shareholders, QBE announced the appointment of John Rumpler as Chief Executive Officer of the Americas Division. John will assume his new role, based out of the division’s New York headquarters, in June.

John’s previous position with QBE was Group General Manager, Credit & Surety. Since joining QBE in 1997, he has led the development of the credit, surety and lenders mortgage insurance business. Initially focused in Australia, this business has grown to operations in 13 countries and more than AU$550 million in gross written premium.

Under John’s management, the Americas Division will continue its strategy of growth and focused diversification. Its substantial business comprises four distinct operating units: QBE Regional, QBE Reinsurance and QBE Specialty in the United States and QBE Latin America in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Mexico.

The Americas Division produced a solid financial result in 2008, despite challenging market conditions and a heightened loss environment due to a record frequency of catastrophes. Its net income was $236 million on its $3.7 billion in gross written premium, which increased more than 22 percent from 2007.

“QBE has a stable and proven leadership team in the Americas. They continue to deliver quality underwriting results and exceptional service to ensure our competitive position in diverse markets,” said John. “I look forward to working more closely with them to further strengthen our balance sheet and the long-term financial health of our Company, partners and shareholders.”

John succeeds QBE’s Chief Operating Officer Vince McLenaghan, who also served as Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of the Americas Division since June 2008. Vince will continue in his role as Chief Operating Officer for QBE’s global operations. “We expect a seamless transition,” said Vince. “In John’s previous role, he was closely involved in the development of our U.S. Trade Credit and Surety business, and recently in the acquisitions of the Exporters team and ZC Sterling. He is well equipped to take the helm and continue QBE’s momentum in the Americas.”