QBE appoints Leanne Nel as Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Pacific

QBE has today announced the appointment of Leanne Nel as Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Pacific, effective 3 December 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. The appointment follows Jonathan Groves’ recent appointment as Chief Executive Officer, QBE Australia Pacific.

Leanne is currently General Manager, Underwriting and Partners, Pacific, and brings more than 30 years of insurance experience, the majority with QBE, spanning underwriting, distribution, claims, operations and transformation. She previously spent almost four years leading QBE’s Claims team across New Zealand and the Pacific, and has a deep understanding of our business, customers, brokers and partners in the region.

Since joining QBE in 2001, she has held senior roles across Australia and the Pacific, including Head of Underwriting Operations, Australia and New Zealand and General Manager, Underwriting Governance, Performance and Disclosure.

QBE Australia Pacific Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Groves, said: “Leanne’s breadth of experience and deep knowledge of QBE and the Pacific business provide a strong foundation for the role. She is a highly respected leader and I know she will bring her energy and strong sense of purpose to leading the Pacific business.”

Ms Nel said, “I’m proud and honoured to lead our Pacific business. We have talented people, a strong foundation and a clear sense of where we’re heading. I’m excited to work alongside our people, customers and partners to build on what we’ve achieved and shape the next chapter together.”

For media enquiries, please contact:

Kim Strudwick
Head of Brand and Engagement, Pacific
Phone: 027 546 6453
Email: [email protected]