Chris Killourhy to take the helm at QBE Re

QBE has announced the appointment of Chris Killourhy as managing director QBE Re from 1 September, subject to regulatory approval, when he will move from his current role as chief financial officer, QBE International.

He replaces interim MD Peter Wilkins, who assumed the role in May 2022 after former managing director of QBE Re Steve Postlewhite decided the leave the business.

Killourhy is a Fellow of the UK Faculty & Institute of Actuaries and has worked for international (re)insurance and consulting companies across the globe.

He also spent time with the Bermuda Monetary Authority where his responsibilities included the supervision of reinsurer capital and catastrophe models.

He joined QBE in June 2015 and has held a number of roles including chief actuarial officer and chief financial officer for QBE’s Australia Pacific division, before returning to the UK in 2020 to take up the role of chief financial officer for QBE International.

Killourhy commented: “It is such a privilege to take on the leadership of QBE Re at this exciting time. With a strong leadership team in place and deep technical expertise throughout the organisation, the franchise is well placed to build on impressive growth over the first half of the year and support QBE in its commitment to being a consistent and innovative risk partner.”

Jason Harris, CEO QBE International added: “We put in place an ambitious set of plans for QBE Re earlier this year and I am delighted to have someone of Chris’s calibre to drive their delivery.

”My thanks to Peter Wilkins who took the reins on an interim basis, and I have every confidence that resuming his role as chief underwriting officer supporting Chris will contribute to a very solid, committed, and creative senior leadership team.”

An announcement about recruitment for the chief financial officer position will be made in due course.