QBE hires Liberty Mutual and ex-AIG execs to boost commercial portfolio

Re/insurer QBE North America, a part of QBE Insurance Group, has appointed Jamie Luce as senior vice president (SVP) to lead the property/casualty commercial insurance business, and Julie Hespe as SVP, product leader.

The two executive appointments in the property/casualty (P&C) business are in line with the company's commercial insurance growth strategy, QBE said in a statement.

Based in New York, Luce will report to the president of P&C Kathleen Zortman. Hespe will report to Luce.

In this new role, Luce will oversee all of the QBE North America commercial business, and Hespe will help bolster the overall commercial performance through enhanced performance analysis, while ensuring alignment with customer needs, according to the statement.

Luce joins QBE from Liberty Mutual Insurance, where he most recently served as SVP, chief underwriting officer (CUO) for business insurance. Prior to that, he was the SVP and CUO of middle market central division at Liberty Mutual.

Hespe has previously held various leadership positions at AIG, Swiss Re and AIU International Environmental. She most recently served as executive vice president for the MGA and brokerage group BlueSkyRisk.

"Bringing in world-class talent like Jamie and Julie will further position our integrated specialist insurer strategy for success," said Russ Johnston, chief executive officer, QBE North America. "Our commercial portfolio represents a significant presence in the market and these leaders will drive profitable growth in this important segment."

Zortman, president P&C, added: "These appointments showcase our commitment to our commercial business strategy. They each bring seasoned leadership to round out our property and casualty team, while sharpening our focus on expert underwriting and superior service."

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