QBE makes several senior changes

QBE has completed a series of appointments in its senior management team for Europe.

David Winkett, currently chief financial officer, has had his role extended to chief financial and operating officer.

In addition to managing the finance division, Winkett will also oversee the IT and operations divisions.

The remit of Phil Dodridge’s role as chief risk officer will now include responsibility for claims and underwriting review and reinsurance.

These changes follow the departure of chief operating officer Kathy Lisson, who leaves QBE to take up an external consultancy position back in her native Canada.

Matthew Gouldstone, managing director of change and technology, has been promoted to chief information officer.

David Spruce, QBE’s current finance director, becomes operations director and Rob Stone, head of corporate reporting, is QBE's new European operations financial controller. All will report to Winkett.

David Cooney, previously operations director, has been appointed to the newly-created role of director of operations for property, casualty and motor, QBE European Operations’ largest division.

Cooney will report to Ash Bathia, the division’s chief underwriting officer. These appointments are effective from 2 February 2011.

Steven Burns, QBE European Operations´ chief executive, said: “QBE’s support teams are committed to providing market-leading expertise and service to their underwriting community.

"These appointments recognise the value and depth of the experience that these individuals can bring to help deliver on this objective.”