QBE Forms U.S. General Aviation Underwriting Group

NEW YORK, Feb. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- QBE the Americas has announced the creation of a U.S.-based general aviation underwriting operation.

Headquartered in Atlanta, QBE the Americas' Aviation Team is designed to expand the company's global aviation activities. QBE is already a major aviation insurance writer in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific.

The new team of seasoned aviation insurance professionals with a proven track record consists of William P. McGloin, Roger M. Ridings, Michael Clark and Russell Walker.

"The U.S. is the largest market for general aviation in the world," says QBE's Chief Executive Officer for the Americas, John Rumpler. "We're pleased to start this operation that will offer a broad range of coverage and bring our company full circle as a true worldwide provider for general aviation insurance services. The aviation team that has been created will work in collaboration with QBE Aviation European Operations."

General aviation insurance includes all types of aircraft except for military and major airlines. QBE the Americas' Aviation Team of seasoned aviation professionals will work with personal-use aircraft owners, as well as corporations and airports to provide physical damage, liability and workers' compensation coverage.

QBE Insurance Group Limited is one of the top 25 insurers and reinsurers worldwide. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, QBE operates out of 49 countries around the globe, with a presence in every key insurance market. The Americas Division, headquartered in New York, conducts business through various property and casualty insurance subsidiaries in 10 countries. QBE's Americas Division produced $4 billion in gross written premium in 2009 and an 89.7 percent combined operating ratio. QBE Insurance companies are rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best and "A+" by Standard and Poor's. For more information, visit www.qbe.com.