QBE Insurance Group’s European arm, QBE European Operations, has merged its non-Lloyd’s operations – its European commercial and retail divisions (trading as Ensign).

QBE European Operations said in a statement that its European commercial and retail divisions will now trade as QBE Insurance (Europe).

John Neal, MD of the European group’s retail division, has been appointed MD of the overall business. 

New European division CEO Steven Burns says the merger will enhance product delivery to brokers and clients, and result in cost savings.

“The merger of the two divisions advances a number of our underlying strategic goals for the company’s underwriting operations,” he said. “Simplification of the management structure will deliver further efficiencies and cost savings in the medium term by a more integrated approach to business support.”

The merger has resulted in the loss of some senior positions, with UK retail operations GM Paul Kurgo and European commercial division GM Steven Price leaving the company.