Aligning the commercial and specialty units comes after HDIG took full ownership of HGS. The latter was previously jointly owned by HDIG and sister firm Hannover Re. Tapped to lead the combined operations as UK and Ireland chief executive is Richard Taylor, who is currently the UK branch managing director for HGS.
“Since its inception in January 2019, HDI Global Specialty has been one of the most significant and profitable growth engines across the HDI Group, and I’m very proud of the team’s achievements over this relatively short period of time,” stated Taylor, who will be succeeded by Rafael Rebitzky as HGS UK managing director.
For Rebitzky, the “more cohesive” business proposition across HDIG and HGS will benefit not only clients but also brokers and managing agents alike.
Referring to former HDIG UK & Ireland managing director Claire McDonald and current MD Stephanie Ogden, Taylor added: “The HDI Global UK and Irish business has gone from strength to strength, and I thank Claire for leaving this business in such great shape.
“Together with Stephanie and Rafael we have a deep insight and knowledge of the business, and we look forward to taking HDI Global and HDI Global Specialty to the next level in the UK and Irish markets.”
In January, McDonald joined the HDIG management board and is presently in charge of the property, marine cargo, and engineering and construction lines of business. Ogden, who was underwriting and distribution director, took over HDIG UK & Ireland at the time.
“Realigning our combined operations under a common leadership structure will drive efficiencies in the way we do business and will bring the best for our HDI partners and clients,” asserted Ogden. “While these changes may streamline some of our functions, as we already operate a lean operation, any changes will be made where it makes sense and supports our growth initiatives over the coming years.”
