QBE Insurance Group says Yasmin Allen, a board director for the past three years, will take over as chair from Mike Wilkins next May. 

Ms Allen has experience across sectors including insurance, energy, healthcare and technology. She is  a Santos non-executive director and chair of the Digital Skills Organisation and has held director and chair roles at groups including IAG and Macquarie Global Infrastructure Funds. 

“It is a privilege to be elected to chair the board of QBE, an organisation with a rich history and strong global presence,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow directors and the executive team to support the delivery of QBE’s strategic priorities.” 

Mr Wilkins will retire at next year’s annual general meeting after six years as chair and a decade on the board. 

His previous experience includes leading IAG for seven years until 2015 and he was also formerly Promina Group CEO and Tyndall Australia MD, and a founding member of the Australian Business Roundtable for Disaster Resilience & Safer Communities. 

Group CEO Andrew Horton says under Mr Wilkins’ guidance QBE has strengthened its performance and culture, and his counsel has been greatly valued. 

“I welcome Yasmin and look forward to working closely with her following Mike’s retirement next May,” he said.