QBE APPOINTS ERIK DE SMEDT TO LEAD NEW BELGIAN OPERATION

Australian business insurer QBE has appointed Erik de Smedt as country manager for Belgium, reporting to QBE managing director of European markets Patrick Coene. Mr De Smedt will be responsible for setting up the Belgian operation, recruiting a team of underwriters and adapting QBE's products to the local market. The new office will serve companies in Belgium and Luxembourg.