Insurer expands UK distribution network with appointment of five underwriters
QBE, one of the UK’s largest commercial insurers, has recruited five local leading market underwriters to its Leeds team and expanded its product range.
The new panel of underwriters joins Pat Wood, recently appointed as QBE’s commercial manager in Leeds and his team in writing a diversified portfolio of commercial motor, commercial property and professional indemnity products in addition to QBE’s existing locally underwritten liability business.
Previously based in Manchester as assistant director of DA Constable Syndicate 386, Pat Wood is managing the expansion of the Leeds operation.
The key senior underwriting appointments include Len Curry as senior property underwriter, Mark Bower as senior casualty underwriter and Mark Bowden as senior motor fleet underwriter. In addition Mike Bullock and Richard Dakin join QBE as assistant motor fleet underwriter and casualty underwriter respectively. Colin Railton, who has been with QBE for four years is promoted to the position of senior PI underwriter.
Previously based in Newcastle, Len Curry joins from Lockton and has over thirty years experience in a multiplicity of underwriting management and broking roles. Mark Bower, a construction specialist with over twenty years’ experience in the local insurance market, has moved to QBE from Lloyd’s broker, Senior Wright Ltd. Mark Bowden has over eighteen years of motor fleet experience with Norwich Union, Crowe and NIG.
Pat Wood, commercial manager of QBE’s Leeds Office, said:
“With almost triple the number of underwriters based in Leeds and an extended product base, QBE’s offering to the industrial centres of Leeds, Sheffield, Hull and Newcastle has grown significantly. The Leeds’ expansion once again demonstrates QBE’s commitment to providing underwriting centres around the UK that provide empowered, specialist underwriting and high quality local service. “
