QBE Appoints Maths Stanser as Head of Distribution for European Markets
Commercial insurer QBE has announced the appointment of seasoned insurance expert Maths Stanser as the new head of distribution for its European markets. He succeeds Fabian Desch, who transitioned to the role of QBE Germany’s general manager last year. Based in Stockholm, Stanser will spearhead broker engagement, help shape the distribution strategy, and expand the broker network across several countries including France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain.
With an impressive three-decade-long career in the insurance industry, Stanser brings extensive experience to his new role. He has been with QBE for the past seven years, serving as the general manager for QBE Nordics, where he was responsible for managing and expanding operations in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway.
Stanser began his career in 1995 as a financial lines underwriter for AIG Europe. He further enhanced his expertise with broker experience at Aon, where he held positions such as chief commercial officer and head of financial institutions, before joining QBE as Nordic GM in 2018. He will report to Andy Besant, chief customer officer of QBE European Operations.
Besant stated, “Our aim is to transition from a follow position to a lead position within European markets. Having someone with Maths’ impressive experience is invaluable as we implement this ambitious strategy, which includes an enhanced multinational proposition, increased risk solutions support, and additional client management resources.”
Under Stanser’s leadership, QBE Nordics saw remarkable growth, quadrupling in premium size and earning recognition from brokers as a leading cyber insurer. The team expanded from 18 to 47 people across Sweden and Denmark, and the company’s relevance in property and general liability was significantly increased.
Stanser will join the European management committee, headed by Beatriz Valenti, director of insurance for Europe, to further support QBE’s growth ambitions on the continent. As QBE searches for a new Nordics GM, he will continue to serve as general manager for the Swedish and Danish branches.
