QBE has appointed Julian Fraser as National Manager, Aviation, based at its Melbourne office.

He replaces John Buckley, who is retiring after 12 years in the role but who will work part-time as an aviation technical consultant until the end of next year.

Mr Fraser has more than 30 years’ experience in aviation insurance and has worked in QBE’s aviation team since 2001, most recently as national relationship manager.

He helped set up QBE’s partnership with Unmanned Aircraft Systems International, which has introduced a risk-based safety and auditing standard for drones and other unmanned aircraft.

Mr Fraser holds a private pilot’s licence and is a director of Flight Safety Foundation and Aviation/Aerospace Australia. He is convener of the Australian Aviation Insurance Forum.