Travel insurer Cover-More has announced a distribution agreement with a leading Chinese travel agent.

CEO Peter Edwards says the deal with Qunar is a “significant step” for the group in the world’s fastest-growing travel market, where it hopes to mirror the partnership approach that has brought success in Australia and New Zealand.

A number of appointments have been made following the agreement.

COO Australia George Saunders will move to the new position of CEO Asia, to drive expansion in China, India and Malaysia. He will operate from Singapore.

Mr Edwards says basing executives in the region will “expedite the continued expansion of our travel insurance business”.

Former CEO in China Dora Zeng has been appointed Chairman in China, with Tracey Harris moving into the CEO role. Ms Harris spent more than a decade with CareFlight Group.

Group CFO John Murphy will take the new position of Group COO, with a search under way for his replacement.