Howden continues leadership appointment spree in Asia

Industry veteran to drive strategic direction of Hong Kong operations

Howden continues leadership appointment spree in Asia

Insurance News

By Roxanne Libatique

Global insurance intermediary Howden has announced the appointment of Steve Hutchinson (pictured) as chief broking officer for its Hong Kong operations.

Effective immediately, Hutchinson will report to Alfred Sham, CEO of Howden Hong Kong, and will work from the company’s Hong Kong office.

Howden Hong Kong’s chief broking officer

In his role, Hutchinson will be responsible for driving the strategic direction of Howden’s broking operations in Hong Kong. His focus areas will include enhancing the company’s specialty capabilities in key industries such as construction, multinational business, and complex accounts.

He will also oversee the development of innovative placement strategies as part of Howden’s broader efforts to grow its specialty insurance offerings across Asia.

Hutchinson said he looked forward to contributing to the development of new specialisations and driving growth for the company.

“I am excited to join Howden at a pivotal time in the industry, where collaboration and innovation are key to meeting the evolving needs of our clients,” he said.

Steve Hutchinson’s career

Hutchinson previously held senior leadership positions at Marsh Asia, where he worked as senior vice president and leader of the risk management practice team in Hong Kong. In that role, he advised Hong Kong-based multinational corporations on risk and insurance strategies.

Earlier in his career, he served as the regional leader for construction specialty and industry initiatives in Asia and managed insurance placement solutions for the construction, power, and utilities sectors.

Sham said the new addition’s extensive knowledge of the insurance market and expertise in specialty sectors will strengthen Howden’s ability to meet client needs in Hong Kong and beyond.

“Steve’s extensive expertise and deep understanding of the evolving insurance market make him an invaluable leader for Howden. His guidance will be crucial as we innovate and expand our offerings,” he said.

Other leadership changes in Asia 

Hutchinson joins Howden following key leadership transitions in its Asia operations.

Rohan Bhappu will assume the role of deputy CEO for Howden Asia in June 2025, reporting to Goh Chye Huat, the current CEO of Howden Asia. Bhappu will be based in Hong Kong.

Effective Oct. 1, 2025, Bhappu will succeed Goh as CEO of Howden Asia, while Goh transitions to the roles of regional chairman and chairman of private wealth.

Bhappu brings over 20 years of insurance experience to the position, including his recent role as CEO for Marsh McLennan Hong Kong and Macau. During his tenure, he led the post-acquisition integration of JLT, oversaw regional sales strategies, and managed M&A-related projects.

Bhappu will officially step into the CEO role after completing his contractual obligations in his current position.

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