QBE has promoted Mike Emmett to the new role of Group Executive Officer, Operations, responsible for overseeing the group’s transformation program.

He was previously group head of operational transformation.

A spokesman told insuranceNEWS.com.au Mr Emmett’s promotion is all about recognising the significance of transformation activities at QBE on an ongoing basis and ensuring that the person responsible has the seniority to be sitting on the group executive committee”.

The position will also include group procurement and sponsorship of the group’s IT strategy.

The spokesman says there is “a perceived benefit in having someone with this title within the organisational structure”.

Asked how many staff are working in the shared services centres, the spokesman said that would become clearer with the release of QBE’s results at the end of February.

Group CEO John Neal says Mr Emmett has been instrumental in driving QBE’s transformation projects globally, most notably the successful launch of the shared service centres.

“Promoting Mike to the group executive committee is a reflection of not only his role and contribution to our business, but also the critical nature of the projects that are within his expanded remit.”