QBE has confirmed Julie Wood as North America CEO after she took up the role in an acting capacity last month following the departure of Todd Jones. 

“Julie brings deep industry expertise with a strong customer focus, underwriting expertise and knowledge of the North America market,” Group CEO Andrew Horton said today. 

“We have the right strategy in place for our North America business and Julie will continue our focus on our three core insurance segments of crop, specialty and commercial.” 

Ms Wood joined QBE in January as Group Head of Distribution after previously working at Marsh, where she was South East Partnership & Zonal leader, and member of the US Executive Committee. Earlier she was Zonal Casualty Leader at Marsh in Atlanta. 

Previously, Ms Wood held several senior executive roles at Zurich for 15 years including global customer relationship management and underwriting leadership. 

“Julie’s appointment highlights the bench strength of high calibre leaders within QBE and reflects the focus we have on talent and leadership,” Mr Horton said. 

QBE has been making changes to simplify and improve the importance of the North American division, which reported a combined operating ratio of 106.9% in the June half, from 95.9% a year earlier. 

A high frequency and severity of convective storm and flood events were experienced during the half, while the North America result was also affected by prior year reserve strengthening. 

Ms Wood’s appointment is subject to regulatory approval and she remains on the Group Executive Committee reporting to Andrew Horton.