Simon Ascroft
About Simon Ascroft
Simon Ascroft serves as the Strategy Director for Australia Pacific at QBE Insurance, bringing extensive experience in the financial services sector. He has held various leadership roles at prominent companies, including Suncorp Group and Zurich Financial Services, and is recognized for his ability to drive sustainable business growth.
Current Role at QBE Insurance Group
Simon Ascroft serves as the Strategy Director for Australia Pacific at QBE Insurance, a position he has held since 2019. In this role, he is responsible for developing and implementing strategic initiatives that drive growth and enhance operational efficiency within the organization. His focus includes aligning business strategies with market trends and customer needs.
Previous Experience at Suncorp Group
Ascroft has held multiple roles at Suncorp Group, including Head of Business Planning & Execution for Insurance from 2016 to 2017, and Head of Strategy for Commercial Insurance from 2015 to 2016. He also served as Head of Strategy & Corporate Affairs for Commercial Insurance from 2012 to 2015, and as Strategic Projects Manager from 2018 to 2019. His tenure at Suncorp Group reflects a strong emphasis on strategic planning and execution.
Experience at Zurich Financial Services
Simon Ascroft worked at Zurich Financial Services Australia in various capacities from 1999 to 2012. His roles included Senior Analyst in Strategic Finance & Investments, Head of Finance & Strategy for APME, and Head of Business Development for Asia Pacific GI. He also served as Head of Marketing & Communications for Global Corporate in Zürich. His experience at Zurich highlights his expertise in finance, strategy, and business development.
Educational Background and Qualifications
Ascroft has a robust educational background in finance and accounting. He studied at Macquarie University, earning a degree in Accounting and Business Law from 1985 to 1988. He also obtained a Graduate Diploma of Applied Finance from The Securities Institute of Australia between 1994 and 1996. Additionally, he completed the Company Directors Course at the Australian Institute of Company Directors, achieving FAICD in 2003.
Leadership and Strategic Initiatives
Simon Ascroft is known for leading transformational initiatives within the financial services industry. He has demonstrated versatility in leadership roles, serving as both an Executive and Non-Executive Director. His ability to inspire stakeholders and develop customer-centric business strategies has contributed to sustainable and profitable growth in the organizations he has worked with.