New specialty lines insurer HDI Global Specialty has tapped a 20-year insurance veteran to start a general aviation business in Australia.
Former QBE aviation manager Jamie Bowes joins HDI Global Specialty to oversee the creation of the new Melbourne-based aviation team, which is expected to grow over time with an expanding portfolio.
“We are extremely pleased that we could get Jamie to head up our new aviation venture,” said Mark Fleiser, head of branch for HDI Global Specialty in Australia. “He has an excellent background in this market, and we look forward to leveraging his market knowledge and connections. We hope to launch our offering as soon as possible.”
“When looking at how we could expand and build on our successful general aviation operations in Europe, Australia was quickly identified as an area where we, as a company, saw great potential,” said Mats Westerborn, managing director for HDI Global Specialty’s Scandinavian branch. “We identified the need to have an active presence in local aviation markets and it was therefore important for us to establish a team on the ground in Australia.”
“By setting up a new team for general aviation in Australia, HDI Global Specialty SE takes another step to maximise the opportunities that exist within specialty lines,” said Ralph Beutter, CEO of HDI Global Specialty. “Getting such a highly regarded market leader as Jamie Bowes on board gives me comfort that Melbourne will be another successful hub in our aviation line of business.”
