QBE North America has promoted Steve Gransbury to head of specialty insurance, a newly created group of existing QBE businesses, and Tara Krauss to head of accident and health.
The specialty insurance unit now consists of QBE's accident and health, aviation, and trade credit and surety practices.
QBE suggested that this new alignment will allow a sharper focus on customer needs to fully realise the tremendous growth opportunity each business holds for the company.
Gransbury, who has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance, reinsurance and captive industry, joined QBE in 2009 when the company acquired SLG Benefits & Insurance, a programme management company co-founded by Gransbury.
Krauss, an insurance executive with 24 years of experience, also joined QBE in 2009, and has since held several leadership roles with increasing responsibilities and successfully driven many of the company's transformation initiatives centred on its people, customers and portfolio.
Tom Fitzgerald, president of QBE specialty and commercial, commented: "QBE accident and health has enjoyed tremendous success over the last several years.”
"Much of that is due to Steve [Gransbury]'s hard work and his commitment to his team and his customers. Aligning our specialty businesses within a single unit furthers our commitment to growth in the specialty market, and Steve [Gransbury] was the clear choice to lead the newly formed group," he added.
Commenting on Krauss’ promotion, Gransbury said: "Tara [Krauss] has a long track record of significant successes within QBE. That included implementing underwriting guidelines that allow our team to solve customers' challenges quickly and effectively, as well as mentoring teammates to help them reach their professional aspirations. Whatever she does, she's always been totally focused on achieving solid results, and we're all confident that she'll bring the same passion and resolve to her new role."
Krauss added: "I'm excited about the opportunity to lead QBE accident and health, and eager to continue executing on our strategy, while capitalising on the many opportunities we see ahead of us.”