QBE has announced its new general manager as Bill Donovan, who will take over from Ross Chapman at the end of this month.

Donovan has been head of distribution with the insurer for the past four years, and boasts 40 years of industry experience.

Chapman, who has been with the business including its previous incarnation HIH for nearly three decades, is due to retire in April.

He said he had great pleasure in announcing Donovan as his successor.

“I’m incredibly pleased to hand over to someone of Bill’s calibre, with such a thorough knowledge of our business and strong understanding of brokers’ needs.

“I’m confident Bill and the team will continue to find ways to leverage our global capabilities to provide brokers with new and flexible solutions.”

Donovan’s previous roles include CEO of Willis Australasia and MD of Willis New Zealand.