KPMG has announced the appointment of Erik Bleekrode as its new Head of Insurance for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, taking over from Simon Donowho.
Bleekrode, who has 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry, also serves as Head of Insurance for KPMG in China and leads KPMG China’s Insurance Accounting Change practice.
KPMG said that his new role will be focused on creating value for insurance sector clients as they transition through the inevitable changes taking place in the industry.
Now based in Hong Kong, Bleekrode’s previous roles have also seen him work in the Netherlands and Brazil.
Bleekrode will report to Laura Hay, Global Head of Insurance at KPMG, and Simon Gleave, Head of Financial Services in Asia Pacific.
“Simon has done a fantastic job over almost a decade to bring our Asia Pacific insurance practice to where it is today,” said Hay.
“With all the innovation and growth that we are seeing in insurance across the region, I see in Erik a great successor who brings international experience and fresh energy, helping our clients, our people and our practice across the region become better versions of themselves.”
Gleave also commented: “Simon Donowho has brought many years of excellent leadership in this role, creating a strong foundation for Erik to build on. Erik’s leadership will be valued beyond KPMG’s insurance community.
“He is well respected amongst our clients and staff not only for his technical excellence, but also for the curiosity, fun and passion he injects into the workplace. I’ve no doubt he will be a role model to many.”
“This is a fantastic time to be taking over as head of this team,” added Bleekrode. “Insurance in Asia Pacific has never been more exciting. It has been an engine for growth and for social development, customers and regulators are increasingly demanding and technology is providing opportunities we have never seen before.”
“All this needs to be managed within the great diversity that this region has and in a political and economic environment that is increasingly challenging,” Bleekrode continued.
“KPMG in Asia Pacific has an excellent team of technical specialists and visionary advisors in areas which have extended beyond the traditional and into the cutting edge of technology and customer behaviour. I am confident that with the breadth and depth of the team, we can help the sector navigate through the opportunities and challenges ahead.”
