QBE Insurance Group has revealed that Yasmin Allen has been selected to succeed Mike Wilkins as the Chair of the Group Board. Ms Allen will officially take up her new position on 8 May 2026, marking the start of a new era for the organisation. Mike Wilkins, who has served as Chairman for several years, announced his intention to retire from the board in May 2026, paving the way for a leadership transition.
Ms Allen joined the QBE Group Board in July 2022 as an Independent Non-Executive Director. With an impressive background in both commercial and strategic leadership, she brings valuable experience from a variety of sectors, including insurance, energy, healthcare, and technology. Her extensive expertise in governance and corporate strategy makes her an ideal choice to lead QBE through its next phase of growth.
Currently, Ms Allen serves as a Non-Executive Director at Santos and is the Chair of the Digital Skills Organisation. Her previous roles include various directorships and chairmanships at highly regulated entities such as Insurance Australia Group and Macquarie Global Infrastructure Funds, which have further honed her leadership abilities.
In addition to her vast experience in governance, Ms Allen’s appointment signals QBE’s continued commitment to diversity and excellence at the highest levels of the organisation. Industry experts predict that her appointment will enable QBE to further strengthen its position in the global insurance market, particularly at a time when the industry faces numerous challenges and opportunities for innovation.
Under Ms Allen’s leadership, QBE is expected to maintain its focus on operational excellence while also driving new initiatives that could shape the future of the insurance sector. With her in charge, QBE is poised for an exciting new chapter in its storied history.