QBE appoints new European insurance chief to drive an 'ambitious agenda'

QBE Insurance Group has promoted Cécile Fresneau to lead its European operations’ insurance division, replacing Sam Harrison, who will join the group executive committee as group chief underwriting officer.

Fresneau will be responsible for the Australian company's business in the UK, Europe and international markets. Effective from April 1, she will focus on the execution and delivery of key customer and operational initiatives while overseeing the development of QBE in its key markets.

Fresneau currently leads QBE's UK insurance business unit, and was recently appointed active underwriter for syndicate 386, a position she will continue to hold. Her replacement as UK executive director will be made in due course.

Fresneau has over 20 years of insurance industry experience. She joined QBE in 2018 from Zurich where she served as chief underwriting officer for UK general insurance since June 2014. She also held a number of senior positions at Zurich including head of personal lines for Europe, Middle East and Africa, and prior to that worked for Insurance Australia Group (IAG) in Sydney.

Jason Harris, CEO of QBE International, said Fresneau has driven "very positive change" in the company's UK business.

"We have an ambitious agenda for our European business, and I look forward to working with Cécile to achieve it and more,” he added.

In addition to Fresneau's appointment, Nick Hankin has been made permanent chief underwriting officer for QBE International, which includes QBE European Operation and Asia, following the retirement of Colin O’Farrell at the end of 2020.

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