QBE Mercantile Mutual, now wholly owned by QBE, is at the centre of a major reorganisation of the group’s Australian operations. QBE Australia MD Raymond Jones confirmed to Sunrise Exchange News this morning that the former joint venture will retain its current name for the time being, but GM Terry Ibbotson has had his role expanded.

Mr Ibbotson will become Group GM Commercial. He will continue to run QBE Mercantile Mutual, while Deputy GM – and former ING nominee – Mike Goodwin will transfer to QBE International’s Asia-Pacific operations. He will become Principal Officer based in Singapore, reporting to QBE International MD Vince McLenaghan. A replacement for Mr Goodwin will be decided “in the future”, Mr Jones said.

Mr Ibbotson’s new responsibilities embrace all commercial business in Australia, including QBE Aviation.

John Rumpler, currently Group GM Credit, Surety & Political Risks, will become Group GM Specialist Classes, dealing with trade credit, surety, professional liability and all other specialist areas.