QBE has appointed Todd Wilhelm as Head of Underwriting Asia-Pacific, to drive growth in the region.

Mr Wilhelm has been with Ace Insurance Group for the past seven years as VP Asia-Pacific property, and has 25 years’ industry experience, including in North America.

Chief Underwriting Officer Asia Shaun Standfield says QBE has identified Asia-Pacific as a “growth engine”.

“We are strengthening our underwriting capability to fully unleash our business potential,” he said. “With Todd’s extensive experience, we are shaping the best fit-for-purpose team to lead the growth strategy and business ambition in Asia-Pacific.”

Meanwhile, QBE has appointed Sir Brian Pomeroy as a non-executive director, effective from June 1.

Sir Brian is based in the UK and is Non-Executive Chairman of QBE Insurance (Europe) and QBE Underwriting.

He is also a board member of the UK Financial Conduct Authority and previously served as a nominated member of the Council of Lloyd’s.

QBE has also sold its Pitt Street office in Sydney’s CBD to a private Hong Kong investor for $46.5 million.

A spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au the sale is part of the company’s nationwide workplace strategy.

“The consolidation of our Australian and New Zealand head office into one Sydney CBD building will complement our Parramatta office in the Eclipse Tower, which was completed early last year.”