View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2016/03/15/401845.htm

QBE Launches Inland Marine Practice, Taps Pye to Lead

QBE Specialty has launched a suite of products for its newly created Inland Marine practice.

This expansion includes a range of offerings for the following industry groups:

• Construction: Buildings and structures under construction, installation projects, and contractor’s equipment
• Energy: Well servicing and directional drilling equipment
• Logistics: Truckers and warehouse operators
• Mobile Equipment: Appetite includes medical and scientific equipment, towers and antennas, and equipment sales and rentals

Over the coming months, proprietary coverage options will be offered within target markets, including new motor truck cargo and builders risk coverage offerings, as well as a partnership with QBE Specialty’s Aviation division to meet the property and equipment needs of customer airports.

QBE’s Inland Marine team works with the Commercial, Aviation and Personal Insurance underwriting teams in support of their underwriting effort. QBE appointed producers can now leverage the QBE Specialty and Property & Casualty product portfolios.

Richard Pye, senior vice president, leads the new practice. He joined QBE North America Specialty Lines in mid-2015 from Zurich, where he served as senior vice president, Inland Marine and Marine Property.

Pye has the full underwriting P&L control for Inland Marine, and is responsible for the underwriting strategy, the deployment of a complete portfolio of primary proprietary QBE products, and the launch of a national franchise with dedicated Inland Marine specialists.

In addition to bringing to market a range of new products for QBE, Pye has recruited several individuals to QBE’s Inland Marine practice, including: Joe Bielawski, vice president, Underwriting in Chicago; and based in Los Angeles is David Brooks, vice president, Underwriting; and Bruce Pichon, vice president, Underwriting.

Brooks is responsible for growing QBE’s Inland Marine business west of the Mississippi. He joined QBE in 2015 from Zurich where he was assistant vice president, Inland Marine. Brooks also serves as the Secretary of the IMUA Pacific Coast Advisory Committee. Prior to his tenure with Zurich, Brooks also held senior underwriting roles with CNA, Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, Lockton Insurance Brokers, and CIBA Insurance Services.

Pichon is responsible for Inland Marine business development in the West. Pichon joined QBE from XL Catlin where he was the Regional Inland Marine manager for the Western Zone, responsible for building a profitable book of Inland Marine business. Over his 30 year underwriting career, he held marine management positions with Starr Companies, Allianz, CNA and Navigators.

Bielawski, is responsible for underwriting and production activities for both the Eastern and Midwest regions. He joined QBE in late 2015 from Zurich, where he was the assistant vice president, Marine Central Region, leading underwriting and production of the Central and Great Lakes regions. He also held senior marine underwriting roles with Navigators Inland Marine, Colemont/AmWins and Wm H. McGee/Fireman’s Fund.