International insurer and reinsurer QBE has appointed Callum O’Brien as head of Asia protection and indemnity (P&I). The move strengthens QBE’s UK maritime offering in an area at the heart of its maritime ambitions.
In his new role, O’Brien succeeds Sebastian Tjornelund, who previously held the position before being appointed Asia Head of Underwriting Marine, leading QBE’s maritime business in the region.
O’Brien will be based in Singapore and will drive the performance and development of UK Marine P&I business in Asia. He will report to Richard Inman, UK Marine P&I Portfolio Manager.
He has over a decade of experience in P&I in the brown and blue water sectors, including time underwriting in London.
O’Brien works for one of the International Group’s P&I Clubs as Singapore Underwriting Director, overseeing underwriting activities across Asia and leading the development of the club’s small ship product portfolio.
Commenting on the appointment, Inman said: “Callum is a highly respected underwriter with long-standing relationships in the Asian market.
“His appointment highlights the importance of the region to our P&I strategy and the progress we have made in building our UK maritime portfolio as we mark the business’ 150th anniversary.”
O’Brien added: “QBE has built a respected ocean freight platform in key sectors in Asia. It is a business that I am very familiar with and I am delighted to be joining it at this stage of its journey.
“I look forward to building on this foundation, working closely with clients and brokers, and growing the portfolio in a rigorous and consistent manner.”
