QBE is merging its professional indemnity (PI) portfolios into a new QBE PI operation.
The merger will incorporate QBE Insurance (Europe)
and DA Constable Syndicate 386, whose management was amalgamated by the insurer earlier this year.
David Harries will head QBE PI, which will offer PI solutions to a variety of clients, from SMEs to multinationals.
Harries commented: "The professional indemnity teams from 386 and QIE are leaders in their own individual fields, each with a distinct set of skills and experience. By combining 386's strengths in claims handling and client management with QIE's broker dedication and speed of turnaround, QBE PI will be able to offer a complete and flexible dedicated professional indemnity solution to the market as a whole."
QBE PI will consist of four broker-facing underwriting units:
• Client Risk Solutions, headed by Grant Clemence
• SME and Broker Service, headed by David Sawyer
• Schemes, headed by Mark Casady
• Regional PI, headed by David Sawyer.
These underwriting units will be supported by the following profession leaders who will bring expertise and insight on the major professions:
• Accountants — Ben Carter
• Architects — David Robinson
• Design & Construction — David Harries
• Engineers — Grant Clemence
• Intermediaries — Michael Norman
• IT & Media — James Hastings
• Solicitors — Mark Casady
• Surveyors — Ian Bowler
• Other Focus Areas — Martin Allchorne.
Additionally, Nic Wellington will lead a dedicated PI claims team and Beverley Philpott has been appointed head of underwriting standards.
Harries added: "The decision to integrate was carefully considered to ensure we retained the best elements from both businesses. The market said it wanted increased line capacity and better accessibility in tandem with our established commitment to claims payment. QBE PI will deliver on these and more."
Steven Burns, chief executive of QBE European Operations, said: "We recognise professional indemnity as a significant business in its own right. Its complex nature demands specific, concentrated expertise and support, and QBE PI is a demonstration of our commitment to providing services to clients and brokers in a more flexible way
"By retaining the best of the culture, values and people from the previous businesses within a new structure that allows increased accessibility, we have built a business that recognises the importance of our relationships with brokers and clients alike.”
