QBE North America has appointed Jordan Atkinson (pictured above) as president of NAU Country Insurance Company, effective Aug. 18.
The appointment follows the planned retirement of Jim Korin, who has led the $4 billion crop insurance business.
NAU Country is QBE North America's multiple-peril crop insurance (MPCI) unit and a major provider of agricultural coverage in the United States. Atkinson will report to Julie Wood, CEO of QBE North America, and will join the company’s Executive Management Board.
Atkinson brings more than two decades of insurance industry experience, including a 15-year tenure with NAU Country. He most recently served as executive vice president and chief marketing officer.
His previous responsibilities have included leadership roles in marketing, branch management, and claims. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from East Carolina University.
Wood said Atkinson's history with the organization and knowledge of the crop insurance business positioned him well to lead NAU Country.
"Throughout his 15-year tenure, Jordan has built and fostered strong industry and agent relationships, amassed deep business and institutional knowledge, and established himself as a trusted and respected leader within our organization,” Wood said.
As of 2024, QBE, through its NAU Country subsidiary, holds an estimated 28% share of the US crop insurance market. The business writes close to $3.8 billion in direct premiums annually, making it the largest single provider in the space.
In terms of underwriting performance, QBE North America reported a 96.6% combined ratio for its crop segment in 2023, outperforming the broader private market. In comparison, industry-wide combined ratios averaged 109.8% for crop insurance and 102.8% specifically for MPCI, according to market benchmarks.
Wood said that results were achieved through disciplined risk selection, tighter management of policy limits, and pricing improvements across key territories.
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