International insurer and reinsurer QBE has announced the appointment of Sebastian Tjornelund as Head of Asia Underwriting, Marine, effective December 1, 2025.
In his new role, Tjornelund will develop and implement the strategy for QBE Asia’s marine underwriting portfolio and temporary reinsurance business in the region. He will be responsible for the growth and profitability of these businesses, providing guidance to regional underwriters and underwriting highly complex policies for clients.
Tjornelund will report to Wholesale Markets Asia CEO Ronak Shah and to Simon Lascelles, head of international maritime.
He has 13 years of experience in marine insurance. Tjornelund has been Head of P&I Underwriting for British Maritime Asia since joining QBE in September 2023, overseeing the management and performance of the company [British Marine] Asian Shipowners P&I Portfolio. He will serve as interim head of Asia Maritime from July 2025.
Prior to that, he served as business development manager for NorthStandard and as director of business development for Eagle Ocean Marine, the American P&I club.
Tjornelund commented: “It is an exciting time to join the marine insurance industry. The industry is evolving rapidly and is affected by a complex mix of emerging and long-term risks. Together with my colleagues in Hull, Cargo and P&I underwriting across QBE’s Asia offices, I am confident in our ability to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. We are committed to ensuring that QBE Asia’s marine insurance portfolio remains resilient during market fluctuations and continues to thrive.”
Shah added: “Sebastian has been a key member of QBE’s Asia marine underwriting team over the past two years. Time and time again he has demonstrated exceptional underwriting skills and leadership, which is noteworthy given the significant challenges the industry continues to face. Sebastian’s appointment is a testament to his hard work, talent and the positive impact he has had on our company and colleagues, and most importantly our clients, and helps QBE grow with them.”
