QBE appoints Sebastian Tjornelund as Asia Head of Marine Underwriting
Singapore, 3 December 2025 – QBE today announced the appointment of Sebastian Tjornelund as Asia Head, Underwriting, Marine, effective 1 December 2025.
In this role, Sebastian will provide and implement QBE Asia’s strategy for the company’s marine underwriting portfolios, as well as its facultative reinsurance business for the region. As part of this remit, he will be responsible for the growth and profitability of these businesses, provide guidelines to regional underwriters, and underwrite highly complex coverage for clients. Sebastian will report to Ronak Shah, CEO of Wholesale Markets Asia, with a dotted line to Simon Lascelles, Head of Marine, International.
Sebastian had assumed the position of Interim Head of Marine, Asia, in July 2025. He also served as Head of P&I Underwriting, Asia, a role he had held since joining the firm in September 2023. In this capacity, he was responsible for the management and performance of the [British Marine] Asia P&I portfolio. A proven marine insurance leader for over 13 years, Sebastian previously held senior positions at two International Group P&I Clubs.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of the marine insurance sector. The industry is evolving rapidly, shaped by a complex mix of emerging and longstanding risks. Together with my colleagues in hull, cargo, and P&I underwriting across QBE’s offices in Asia, I’m confident in our ability to navigate today’s challenges and those ahead. We are committed to ensuring that the QBE Asia marine portfolio remains resilient in the face of market volatility – and continues to thrive.” remarked Sebastian on his appointment.
Mr. Shah added, “During the past two years, Sebastian has been a key member of QBE Asia’s marine underwriting team. Time and again, he has demonstrated exceptional underwriting skills and leadership prowess, which is noteworthy given the immense challenges that continue to impact the sector. Sebastian’s appointment is a testament to his hard work, talent, and the positive impact he has made on our company and colleagues — and most importantly, our clients, and helping QBE to grow along with them.”
About QBE Asia
QBE Asia is part of the International Division of QBE Insurance Group Limited. Headquartered in Sydney, QBE is listed on the Australia Securities Exchange (ASX). To learn more about QBE Insurance Group, please visit www.qbe.com.
Press contacts:
Belmont Communications on behalf of QBE Asia
[email protected]