QBE International CUO O’Farrell to leave after 34 years

Re/insurer QBE International has announced that its long-serving chief underwriting officer (CUO) Colin O’Farrell will retire at the end of this year, with former Aviva executive Nick Hankin replacing him on an interim basis.

O’Farrell's has been with the company for almost 34 years, with a career spanning over 36 years in the re/insurance industry.

Hankin, currently deputy CUO, will be stepping into the role of interim CUO as part of a planned transition from January 1, 2021. He has assumed a part-time role during the transition.

Hankin is an experienced insurance leader with a focus on underwriting, P&L and risk & governance, working across UK, European and global markets. He joined QBE in March as the group head of underwriting governance.

Prior to QBE, Hankin was CUO for commercial lines at Aviva UK.

Richard Pryce, chief executive of QBE International, said: “Colin has been an exceptional business leader who has assisted in ensuring QBE European Operations’ standing in the market today. His focus on underwriting performance leaves QBE well placed for the future. I would like to thank him personally, and on behalf of the Board, for his contribution."