QBE The Americas has set up a new general aviation business based in Atlanta, Georgia after hiring an aviation underwriting team from Phoenix Aviation Managers.

William McGloin, previously the CEO of Phoenix – a division of insurer Old Republic International – will head the new QBE unit.

He has also brought with him a three-person executive team.

QBE The Americas CEO John Rumpler says the new team will expand QBE’s global aviation business, which already operates in Europe, Asia and Australasia.

“The US is the largest market for general aviation in the world,” he said. “This operation will offer a broad range of coverage and bring our company full circle as a true worldwide provider for general aviation insurance services.”

Mr Rumpler says the new US aviation team will work in collaboration with QBE Aviation European Operations.

Apart from offering insurance for private aircraft owners, it will also offer corporations and airports physical damage, liability and workers’ compensation coverage.