SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA: QBE Insurance Group has announced that Julie Wood will take over as the new CEO of its North America division, effective immediately. Wood had been serving as the interim CEO since August, when Todd Jones left the company.

Wood has a wealth of experience in the insurance industry, having worked for Marsh and Zurich in various senior roles. She joined QBE in January 2023 as the Group Head of Distribution, responsible for developing and executing the global distribution strategy.

Andrew Horton, the Group Chief Executive Officer of QBE, praised Wood’s appointment and said she would lead the North America business with a clear vision and strategy.

“Julie brings deep industry expertise with a strong customer focus, underwriting expertise and knowledge of the North America market,” Horton said.

“We have the right strategy in place for our North America business and Julie will continue our focus on our three core insurance segments of Crop, Specialty and Commercial.”

Horton also said that Wood’s appointment reflected the high quality of leaders within QBE and the company’s commitment to talent and leadership development.

Wood’s appointment is subject to regulatory approval and she will remain on the Group Executive Committee reporting to Horton.