AmWINS replaces THB Group CEO with QBE's Matthew Crane

US-based global broker AmWINS Group has appointed former QBE executive Matthew Crane as chief executive officer (CEO) of THB Group, its specialist insurance and reinsurance broking subsidiary.

Crane will succeed outgoing CEO Frank Murphy and will also take up the role of president of the international division of AmWINS.

Murphy, who has served as CEO of THB since 2009 and president of the international division of AmWINS since 2012, will transition into a new role as a senior strategic advisor to AmWINS and remain on the AmWINS executive committee.

Crane has held a number of senior management positions at QBE Insurance Group and most recently served as executive director, market management for QBE, where he was responsible for sales, distribution, client management, and risk management for all QBE Europe insurance activities. Crane began his career at Ensign Syndicate 980 serving in a variety of roles, including deputy underwriter.

“THB has experienced incredible growth over the last eight years, and we anticipate that this expansion will continue,” said Scott Purviance, chief executive officer of AmWINS. “Based on his vast underwriting expertise, established industry relationships, and extensive experience in the London and European markets, we believe that Matt is the ideal candidate to lead THB and our International division. Matt will continue our journey of building the best independent London platform and specialty (re)insurance businesses in key markets worldwide.”

Murphy added: “I feel privileged to have led our London and International operations. AmWINS/THB is well positioned to take advantage of a changing Industry, and I believe that Matt and our leadership team will take our business to the next level. I am looking forward to my new role and to supporting Matt.”

Crane said: “I am delighted to be joining the AmWINS family and the THB leadership team. The scale of AmWINS, coupled with the entrepreneurial spirit of the company, is a combination that cannot be replicated anywhere in the market.”