QBE has appointed Patrick Coene as managing director of European markets.

Coene will be based in Brussels and is set to join QBE in September, reporting to Terry Whittaker, managing director, distribution, QBE European Operations.

Coene was previously chief executive of Amlin Corporate Insurance.

Whittaker said: “Patrick brings not only extensive underwriting and management experience, but also provides an essential continental European perspective at executive level, which we believe is key to expanding our business proposition to benefit both brokers and clients”.

Steven Burns, chief executive, QBE European Operations, added: “The profitable growth and diversification of our continental European business is a critical aspect of our strategy for the next five years. We are delighted that Patrick has agreed to join QBE to accelerate the development of this business."