QBE Insurance Group Limited has announced that Yasmin Allen AM (pictured) will take over as chair of its group board, effective May 8, 2026. This leadership transition will occur as current chair Mike Wilkins AO prepares to retire at the company’s annual general meeting in May 2026.
Allen joined the QBE board as an independent non-executive director in July 2022. She has held roles in the insurance, energy, healthcare, and technology sectors. Allen is a non-executive director at Santos Limited and chair of the Digital Skills Organisation. Her previous board positions include Insurance Australia Group (IAG) and Macquarie Global Infrastructure Funds.
Commenting on her appointment, Allen said: “It is a privilege to be elected to chair the board of QBE, an organisation with a rich history and strong global presence. I look forward to continuing to work with my fellow directors and the executive team to support the delivery of QBE’s strategic priorities.”
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Wilkins, who has been part of QBE’s board since 2016 and has served as chair since 2020, will step down following the AGM in May next year. He expressed confidence in Allen’s leadership: “Yasmin brings exceptional business credentials, deep board experience, and a strong understanding of governance and stakeholder engagement. I have every confidence in her ability to guide QBE into its next chapter.”
QBE group CEO Andrew Horton also acknowledged Wilkins’s contributions: “I would like to thank Mike for his outstanding leadership and support. Under his guidance, QBE has strengthened its performance and culture, and I’ve greatly valued his counsel. I welcome Yasmin and look forward to working closely with her following Mike’s retirement next May.”
Wilkins has worked in financial services for more than 30 years. Before joining QBE, he was managing director and CEO at IAG, Promina Group Limited, and Tyndall Australia Limited. He is currently chair of Medibank Private Limited and a board member at Scentre Group Limited. His previous directorships include AMP Limited, Alinta Limited, Maple-Brown Abbott Limited, The Geneva Association, and the Australian Business and Community Network. Wilkins was involved in the establishment of the Australian Business Roundtable for Disaster Resilience & Safer Communities.
Other current QBE board members include group CEO Andrew Horton, Steve Ferguson, Penny James, Tan Le, Kathryn (Kathy) Lisson, Neil Maidment, and Peter Wilson.
