AXA XL's Harris joins QBE replacing international CEO Pryce

AXA XL's Jason Harris has joined Australian insurer QBE as new chief executive officer (CEO) of international business, succeeding Richard Pryce who will retire in early 2021.

Harris will take on the remit of the re/insurer's international division, which includes the European operations.

He will work alongside Pryce to ensure an orderly transition into the full role, subject to the regulatory approvals.

Harris joins QBE from AXA XL where he held the position of chief executive, global property and casualty with responsibility for financial lines, construction, engineering, ART and risk engineering. Prior to that, he was the chief executive international property and casualty at XL in the UK with responsibility for their property & liability business outside of North America. Harris previously worked at AIG/Chartis Insurance in several senior roles including executive director, commercial lines.

Pryce is retiring after an insurance career spanning more than 35 years, including seven years leading QBE’s European Operations and more recently the operations in Asia as part of the creation of the international division in 2019.

Pryce said: “Jason is known for his leadership qualities and passion for building collaborative workplaces, which combined with his technical expertise will ensure the continued success of our International Division. I am proud of what we have achieved, and I am confident I am leaving the business in good hands.”

Harris commented: “QBE International is a tremendous business with a strong track record of performance, an unwavering focus on underwriting discipline and a dedication to customer service excellence. I look forward to getting to know and working alongside the team to continue to build on an impressive legacy that has the customer at the heart of everything.”