Liberty International Insurance COO Defne Turkes will become the division’s president and MD next month, replacing Phil Hobbs.

She will report to Matthew Moore, president of US parent Liberty Mutual Insurance’s Global Risk Solutions operation.

“Defne brings a formidable combination of skills and deep international insurance expertise,” Mr Moore said. “She is an exceptional leader, with proven experience delivering operational platforms across complex, multijurisdictional environments, alongside commercial experience running a multicountry business.”

Singapore-based Ms Turkes joined Liberty in 2006 as CFO in Turkey and has held senior leadership positions in Asia, including president of Liberty’s Asia retail businesses.

Her new role involves leading strategic growth across commercial insurance internationally, plus retail markets in Asia. It includes oversight of the Asia-Pacific and Australian operations.

Mr Hobbs recently moved to the role of Global Risk Solutions underwriting president.