QBE hires Berkshire execs for new specialty casualty business unit

QBE North America said Friday it has launched a specialty casualty business unit and hired four former senior Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance Co. executives to lead the operation.

Karen London has been appointed president, specialty casualty; Mike Foley, chief underwriting officer; Morgan Wichmann, head of casualty non-construction; and Craig Freid, head of casualty construction, QBE said.

The unit will provide admitted and non-admitted primary, lead umbrella and excess liability coverages.

QBE already writes some risks similar to specialty casualty, but through different channels, including its programs business in North America and its Lloyd’s of London platform.

This unit will focus on distribution through a select group of brokers and target a wide range of business segments across a range of industries, a spokeswoman said in an email.

All four executives previously served as senior vice presidents at Berkshire Hathaway. Ms. London and Mr. Freid are based in New York, Mr. Foley is based in Boston and Ms. Wichmann in Charlotte, North Carolina.