Chubb makes trio of leadership changes in APAC

Ler joined Chubb in 2013 as senior vice president and regional head of personal lines, where he had oversight for motor, residential, high net worth and specialty personal lines. From 2014 to 2016, in addition to his business leadership role, he was concurrently president director for Chubb in Indonesia. His 18-year career in the insurance industry spans a variety of managerial roles in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and European markets. In his new capacity, Ler will relocate to Singapore and continue to report to Paul McNamee, Chubb’s regional president for Asia-Pacific.

Edward (Ed) Kopp, currently Chubb’s regional head for accident & health since 2019, will return to Korea to succeed Ler as country president for Chubb’s general insurance business, subject to regulatory approval.  

Kopp joined Chubb in 2012. He has more than 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, including distribution, product development, underwriting, channel management, as well as a deep understanding of the Korean market. He will continue to report to McNamee in his new capacity.

Ben Howell, currently deputy regional head of accident & health will replace Kopp as Chubb’s regional head of accident & health, Asia-Pacific. In his new role, Howell will be responsible for the management and development of the accident, health and travel insurance business in the region. He will continue to be based in Singapore and report to Glen Browne.

Howell has 19 years of experience across both commercial and consumer insurance, with underwriting, product development, partnership and distribution management expertise spanning diverse product classes. He began career with the company in Australia, then known as ACE, in 2002 before re-joining in 2016.

“In Asia Pacific, we have a deep pool of talented executives as reflected by the appointments of Edward, Ed and Ben,” said McNamee. “Edward is a highly experienced insurance professional with a strong track record of success which will be critical to achieve our growth plans for Southeast Asia. Korea is strategically vital to our ambitions, particularly in the consumer business, and we are fortunate to have Ed return to lead our operations there during such an important phase in our expansion. Ben is a true professional and proven leader, ideal for such an important role as the regional head of accident & Health. I have every confidence in his abilities and skills to drive sustained growth and profitability in this business.”