QBE Appoints New Head of P&I
QBE has appointed Callum O’Brien as Head of Protection and Indemnity (P&I), Asia, reinforcing its commitment to expanding its marine insurance operations in one of the industry's most strategically important regions.
Based in Singapore, Callum O’Brien will oversee the performance and development of British Marine’s P&I portfolio across Asia. He will report to Richard Inman, Portfolio Manager for British Marine P&I.
The appointment comes as QBE continues to invest in its marine business and build on the growth of British Marine, the specialist marine insurer that is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
O’Brien joins QBE from an International Group P&I Club, where he served as Underwriting Director in Singapore. In that role, he managed underwriting activities across Asia and led the development of the organisation’s small craft portfolio. He brings more than 10 years of P&I underwriting experience spanning both brown-water and blue-water shipping segments, including previous underwriting responsibilities in London.
He succeeds Sebastian Tjornelund, who recently took on the role of Asia Head, Underwriting, Marine, with responsibility for leading QBE’s regional marine business.
Commenting on the appointment, Inman said O’Brien’s industry reputation and market relationships would support the company’s ambitions in the region.
«Callum is a well-respected underwriter with longstanding relationships across the Asia market,» Inman said. «His appointment highlights the importance of the region to our P&I strategy and the progress we have made in building the British Marine portfolio, as the business marks its 150th year.»
Development of Marine Operations in Asia
O’Brien said he was looking forward to joining QBE at a pivotal stage in the development of its marine operations in Asia.
«QBE has built a respected marine platform in Asia across key segments,» he said. «It’s a business I’ve come to know well, and I’m excited to be joining at this point in its journey. I look forward to building on that foundation, working closely with clients and brokers, and growing the portfolio in a disciplined and consistent way.»
Founded in 1876, British Marine specialises in insuring smaller vessels, including tugs, harbour craft, fishing vessels and cargo vessels. The insurer was demutualised in 2000 and acquired by QBE Insurance Group in 2005. Today, it provides marine insurance coverage to vessels operating around the world.
QBE Asia is part of the International Division of QBE Insurance Group Limited, the Sydney-headquartered insurer listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.
