QBE announces raft of European operations leadership changes

Insurer QBE has announced a suite of changes to its senior European operations team.

Chris Reidy – who has been with the firm for almost two decades – will move from his role as complex property, casualty, motor and health claims manager to the position of head of core claims for European operations.

Reidy inherits the role from Scott Jacobs, who has himself taken on the newly created role of head of claims transformations.

QBE said Jacobs’ new role will see him “provide leadership for modernisation and change initiatives across claims, looking at the best use of artificial intelligence (AI), automation and global transformation”.

Meanwhile previous complex marine and energy claims manager James Villiers will step into the role of head of complex claims for European operations, succeeding incumbent Fiona Sperry, who is set to retire this year.

Jacobs, Reidy and Scott will all report directly to QBE’s claims director for European operations, Mike East.

Talent pipeline

East said: “I am delighted to have hired from within for these appointments, which is a testament to the excellent pipeline of talent at QBE. I’m confident both Reidy and Villiers will help us continue to provide customers with an exceptional claims service.

“I am pleased that Jacobs will be taking on the role of head of claims transformation after being heavily involved in successful modernisation initiatives that put our customers at the heart of our claims offering.

“Creating this role shows our commitment to new ways of working and technology and improving our service. I’d also like to wish Sperry all the best in her retirement.”