QBE has started writing primary insurance through its Bermuda operations and has appointed two underwriters to lead the business.

The insurer and reinsurer’s new business will focus on property and excess casualty lines. The company announced the appointment of Saadia Savory, as vice-president, casualty insurance, Bermuda, and Will Jackson as vice-president, property insurance, Bermuda.

Ms Savory joins QBE from Aspen, where she managed the US Casualty business, and previously held underwriting roles at Argo and Chartis. She brings 19 years of underwriting experience.

Mr Jackson has spent more than 14 years at QBE, where he has held a variety of roles within the London market property team. His expertise is in underwriting large, complex risks and multinational programmes. Most recently, he served as property underwriting manager — major risks.

The company said the launch of the new business, part of QBE’s International Markets division, forms part of a phased build of QBE’s Bermudian insurance platform, with the potential to expand into other products.

Kevin Shallow, head of international markets at QBE, said: “Establishing a direct insurance presence in Bermuda positions QBE at the heart of one of the world’s most established and fast-evolving markets for large corporate risks.

“By entering the market with a disciplined appetite and coordinated approach across London, North America and Bermuda, QBE is offering customers a broader, globally coherent proposition.”