QBE names AXA XL's Harris for CEO ranks

Insurer QBE has named AXA XL's Jason Harris as incoming chief executive of international operations after Richard Pryce decided to retire.

Mr Harris is chief executive, global property and casualty, at AXA XL and will remain in London when he takes the QBE role later this year.

He will report to group chief executive Pat Regan.

Mr Harris has overseen financials, construction, engineering and risk engineering in his current job.

He has worked in the insurance industry for more than 25 years and for international groups such as AIG/Chartis and Chubb.

Mr Pryce will leave QBE in early 2021 after a 35-year career in the industry.

Shares in QBE were trading higher by 33 cents, or 3.73 per cent, at $9.17 at 1042 AEST.