QBE has hired former Zurich chief information and technology officer Markus Nordlin to take the new position of Global Chief Information Officer.

Mr Nordlin will run the insurer’s IT strategy across the 37 countries in which it operates. He will be based in New York and report directly to Group COO Colin Fagen.

“[Mr Nordlin] has expertise in driving major infrastructure consolidation and operational excellence, plus new customer-focused digital platforms,” Mr Fagen said.

“This appointment is central to our plans to create a united IT strategy across QBE, simplifying our technology architecture and driving innovation and change.”

Mr Nordlin has more than 20 years’ industry experience, including 16 years with Zurich in Switzerland and the US.