QBE has appointed Jonathan Groves as CEO Australia Pacific, effective from the start of November, following more than a decade with the company in a number of senior roles. 

Group CEO Andrew Horton says Australia Pacific is a strong business with a clear strategy and significant opportunities, and he looks forward to working closely with Mr Groves in building on the momentum under way across the division.

“As an internal appointment, Jonathan brings deep knowledge of QBE, our Australia Pacific business and the customers and partners we serve,” he said.

“He is well placed to build on the strong foundations already in place and maintain our focus on disciplined execution, sustainable growth and creating long-term value.” 

Mr Groves has more than 30 years’ experience across business leadership, underwriting, broking, risk and regulation and has worked in the UK and London markets, Bermuda, Australia and more recently New Zealand. 

He is currently CEO and MD of the Pacific business, was previously chief risk officer for Australia and New Zealand and joined the group in 2013 as chief risk officer of Equator Re. Prior to QBE, he worked with AIG, Marsh and Aon.  

Mr Groves, who will be based in Sydney, says it’s a privilege to be appointed QBE Australia Pacific CEO. 

“I am confident in the strength of this business, the expertise of our people and the value of the relationships we have with our customers, brokers and partners,” he says.  

QBE announced in July that it would be searching for a successor to take over from Sue Houghton, who plans to retire at the end of the year after more than five years in the role.