360 Underwriting Solutions says newly appointed CEO Australia Jason Clarke will start on November 1, as the business gears up for 2023 in which it expects to write more than $400 million in gross written premium (GWP).

As reported in a Breaking News last week, the underwriting agency announced Mr Clarke will be joining the business after 32 years with QBE.

360 Underwriting Solutions co-founder Denis Morrissey says Mr Clarke brings with him “a tremendous skill set, deep broker relationships and leadership style that will add significantly to the cultural growth” of the business.

“To have someone of [his] calibre join 360 is a watershed day in our journey,” Mr Morrissey said.

As CEO Australia and Director, Mr Clarke will be responsible for 360's Australian business which currently writes in excess of $350 million 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.

Fellow 360 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 acquired by AUB at the end of 2020, and AUB’s underwriting agencies division profit is rising.

“On the back of [the] AUB earnings announcement, the 360 agencies business is very well placed to continue its momentum in the Australian and New Zealand markets,” 360 said.