QBE European Operations bags Collinson Group managing director for newly created role

(Re)insurance business QBE European Operations has appointed Andy Besant in the newly created role of chief customer officer.

The new hire joins from Collinson Group, where he is currently managing director for travel experiences.

In his new role, Besant will report to managing director of insurance Cécile Fresneau.

He will be responsible for QBE European Operations’ sales strategy, distribution and client proposition, as well as steer the management and development of major trading partnerships, major client relationships and other priority customer segments.

Besant’s previous work includes holding senior sales and and distribution leadership roles at foreign exchange company HiFX and financial services company American Express.

Fresneau said: “Our overall business and customer strategy is at the heart of this role as we continue to deliver value to our customers in a responsible, accountable way to ensure long-term sustainable relationships.

“Andy will bring further customer experience in terms of his mindset, insight and delivery. I look forward to welcoming him to my team towards the end of this year.”

QBE European Operations is part of QBE Insurance Group. Listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, QBE’s gross written premium (GWP) for the year ending 2020 was $14.7bn (£10.6bn).

The group’s business offers a range of insurance products, including property, casualty,  motor, specialist financial lines, marine and energy.