QBE Head of Technology named finalist in Women's Agenda Leadership Awards

QBE Insurance Australia is delighted to announce that Helen Longland, Head of Technology for its Corporate Partners and Direct business units, has been selected as a finalist in the Women’s Agenda 2016 Leadership Awards.

The awards, in their fourth year, celebrate emerging leaders who are disruptive, inclusive and inspire growth.

Longland was nominated for her work managing large project teams, championing agile delivery methodology as well as leading the implementation of a brand new, end-to-end policy, billing and claims platform, foundational to growing QBE’s business.

The new platform has fundamentally shifted the way QBE’s direct customers purchase and transact with the insurer, resulting in an improved retention at renewal and a massive increase in online sales.

Longland’s leadership style has encouraged innovation and inclusivity, helping create engaged and motivated teams, necessary for the demands of project work.

In the last year, Longland has broadened her focus from delivery, to include strategy, relationships and customer service. As the head of large teams, Longland has demonstrated her genuine interest and care in her people and is particularly committed to working with other women who are interested in taking on leadership roles, developing their capabilities, raising their confidence and their profiles.

Longland has also spoken at external conferences and events in Australia and abroad, helping share her knowledge and expertise with the wider technology community.

Tony Forward, Chief Information Officer, QBE Insurance Australia, said Ms Longland was thoroughly deserving of the nomination.

"Helen has been the primary leader of the largest technology project undertaken by QBE in the past four years," Forward said. "Whilst, this was led by technology, it impacted so many parts of the business and Helen’s leadership undoubtedly contributed the overall success of the project.

"QBE is committed to the development of women in senior positions and we are incredibly proud of Helen in receiving this external recognition from one of the country’s leading women’s media platforms and wish her all the best in the final," he said.

When asked how she was disruptive, inclusive and inspiring growth, Longland said: "By being me! I am a senior woman in a traditionally male-dominated profession (IT) in an industry traditionally led by men (Insurance). I am disruptive and diverse!"

The Women’s Agenda Leadership Awards will be announced at a lunchtime ceremony on Wednesday, 5 October 2016. https://womensleadershipawards.com.au/

For further information please contact:

Kate Sinclair
Senior Communications Specialist
QBE Corporate Communications
Phone: 02 9375 4882
Email: kate.sinclair@qbe.com