QBE Insurance has named Amanda Hughes incoming Group Executive who will oversee the company's people and culture strategy. She will ascend the post on 1 December, succeeding Margaret Murphy who is returning to the UK.

Hughes brings with her years of experience in HR and a "strong business acumen", QBE said. She has been leading the firm's culture, performance and reward programs since joining the team in June 2020. She also specialises in diversity and inclusion.

Her mandate later expanded to cover HR accountability across the firm's corporate functions, the company said. 

QBE chief executive Andrew Horton recognised the "high-calibre leaders" at the firm, stating how the recent promotion of Hughes proves QBE's commitment to quality.

"Amanda's appointment is a great example of how we are accelerating our talent and leadership strategy and building deep-bench strength across our business," Horton said.

Hughes expressed excitement over the opportunities for QBE. "We have made great progress over the past 12 months towards evolving our culture at QBE and I look forward to building on this important work," she said.

In her 17 years in HR, Hughes held executive roles at Lendlease, Macquarie Group, and AMP where she most recently served as director of people and culture.

She will continue to work closely with Murphy during the transition phase.