360 Underwriting Solutions says Jason Clarke has been appointed as CEO of its Australian business, joining from QBE where he has held several senior roles during a 32-year career with the insurer.

As CEO Australia and Director, starting on November 1, he will be responsible for 360's Australian business which currently writes more than $350 million in gross written premium (GWP).

Mr Clarke has focused on commercial lines and intermediary distribution at QBE, and most recently was working with Group CEO Andrew Horton on the establishment of a global distribution function.

Prior to this he was Chief Customer Officer, Commercial Lines, playing a significant role in developing QBE’s dominant position in the Australian broker channel.

“To have someone of [his] calibre join 360 is a watershed day in our journey,” 360 Underwriting Solutions co-founder Denis Morrissey said.

“He brings a tremendous skill set, deep broker relationships and leadership style that will add significantly to the cultural growth within our business.”

Fellow co-founder Chris Lynch says “the time was right to invest in our Executive Leadership capability to enable us to achieve the goals and aspirations we have for the business” as 360 expects to write more than $400 million in GWP next year.

The underwriting agency says it is making other structural changes to strengthen the business.

Mr Morrissey, who is MD and Chairman, will oversee group performance, the central group services functions and continue to drive growth opportunities for the business.

Mr Lynch, as CEO New Zealand and Director, will establish the 360 brand there and be responsible for the performance of the New Zealand business as well as opportunities in other growth markets.

360 was aquired by AUB at the end of 2020, and AUB's underwriting agencies division profit is rising.

"On the back of yesterday’s AUB earnings announcement, the 360 agencies business is very well placed to continue its momentum in the Australian and New Zealand markets," 360 said.