QBE names new chief executive

QBE Insurance Group has appointed Sue Houghton as its new chief executive for the Australia Pacific (AUSPAC) region. Currently the managing director for insurance at Westpac, Houghton will assume her new role this coming August pending regulatory approval.

“We are delighted to welcome Sue to QBE,” remarked Richard Pryce, interim group CEO at the insurer, in a note to the press.

“She is a highly regarded insurance leader who is known for her sound judgement, resilience and adaptability as well as for cultivating talent, fostering diverse and inclusive teams and driving performance.”

Pryce thanked Frank Costigan, interim managing director for QBE Australia, and Declan Moore, chief customer officer for QBE New Zealand & Pacific, for “their leadership of the AUSPAC division while the executive search process was undertaken”.

Houghton has held a number of executive roles over her career at firms including IAG and Gallagher, and is currently the president of the Insurance Council of Australia.

“I am very excited to be joining QBE and look forward to working with the AUSPAC team and broader group executive to help drive a more customer-centred, simpler and stronger business in the Australia, New Zealand and Pacific region,” Houghton said.