Insurance giant QBE has made the former head of Allianz Asia-Pacific, who also worked as an insurance broker previously, its new chief executive for the Asia-Pacific region.

David Fried will take responsibility for the region from QBE chief executive John Neal, who has been in the role since the insurer's former APAC boss Mike Goodwin stepped down in July, according to The Australian. 

Before his time at Allianz Asia Pacific, Fried spent 27 years with HSBC, including as Asia-Pacific regional head of insurance. He also has experience working in New York and London in insurance broking. 

QBE told The Australian that Fried will begin his Singapore-based role implementing QBE's Asian growth strategy on 8 April.