QBE shifts cyber lead to US

QBE Insurance Group has locked in its US-based interim cyber chief to a permanent role, underscoring the company’s move to treat digital security as a global rather than regional function. Given the insurer’s high profile in cyber insurance, the role has particular importance – a cyber incident of its own would cause substantially red faces.

The insurer confirmed that Jim Christianson, who has been filling the position since February, has now been formally appointed chief digital security and resilience officer. Christianson, a Wisconsin-based technology executive who has been with QBE for a decade, originally stepped in following the departure of long-time security head Andrew Dell, who left for Microsoft earlier this year.

A QBE spokesperson said: “As an international insurer and reinsurer, QBE’s enterprise-wide functions, such as technology and operations, are designed to support the business globally, with team members located across each of our divisions.”

Restructuring the cyber function

Christianson’s remit goes beyond cyber protection, with responsibility across operational resilience, recovery, infrastructure, and third-party risk. The scope reflects QBE’s growing recognition that cyber and operational resilience are deeply intertwined with underwriting, claims handling and customer trust.

To ensure its Australian operations are not left exposed, the company began advertising in September for a Sydney-based director of cyber defence and operations. The newly created position, pitched at CISO level, will report directly to Christianson and be responsible for steering strategy and execution of enterprise-wide security initiatives.

The local appointment is aimed at bolstering technical capabilities in-market, while QBE maintains executive oversight from North America.

Broader technology reshuffle

Christianson’s confirmation follows another leadership gap within QBE’s technology ranks. The insurer’s chief data and analytics officer, Sonya Crosby, recently exited the company. Her responsibilities are being temporarily managed by veteran data specialist Scott Wynne while recruitment for a permanent successor takes place.

The twin reshuffles highlight how global carriers are increasingly managing cyber security and data as central pillars of enterprise risk — functions that cut across jurisdictions and demand resilience on an international scale.

Bottom line: With Christianson’s appointment, QBE has signalled its intent to treat cyber resilience as a global leadership priority. For the insurance sector, digital security is now firmly at the core of operational resilience and business continuity.