QBE has appointed former AIG Americas Casualty president Russell Johnston as its new North America CEO.

He succeeds David Duclos, who will remain as a non-executive director of QBE emerging markets and Equator Re. He will also have an advisory role across the group’s operations.

Mr Johnston started his career as a commercial underwriter with Chubb in 1988. He joined AIG two years later and became one of its most senior leaders.

From 2011 to last year he headed the casualty business in North and South America.

He is also a former COO of commercial insurance in the US for AIG, CEO of environmental and president of risk management.

QBE Group CEO John Neal has paid tribute to Mr Duclos, who joined QBE as North America CEO in 2013.

“Dave has done a remarkable job of transforming and refocusing QBE’s North American business, posting three consecutive years of performance improvement,” he said.

“Our business is now built on a sound platform for profitable growth as a specialist insurer and reinsurer.”

Mr Johnston takes up his position on May 31.