A host of leadership appointments and strategic expansions have been made across the insurance industry. Here’s a round-up of the latest developments from HDI Global, Aegon, DLA Piper, Pine Walk Capital, and Fidelis Insurance Group.
Fidelis Insurance Group has appointed Jonny Strickle (pictured above) as group managing director, a role in which he will oversee the integration of actuarial, capital, underwriting, and risk functions.
Strickle, who joined Fidelis in 2020 as group chief actuarial officer, brings over 15 years of experience in the insurance industry. His leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in the company's focus on sustained growth.
Dan Burrows, CEO of Fidelis, noted, "Jonny’s expertise and technical insights will be instrumental in shaping decision-making as we continue to prioritize growth and long-term value creation."
HDI Global UK and Ireland has announced Marcus Breese as head of cyber underwriting, effective April 1, 2025. Breese joins HDI from Arch Insurance International, where he served as head of cyber and technology errors & omissions.
With extensive experience in cyber and technology risk, including an 18-year tenure at Hiscox, Breese is poised to strengthen HDI’s cyber offerings as the company continues its focus on long-term growth in the UK and Ireland.
“Cyber risk continues to dominate the minds of our clients as one of the most important risks facing their operations,” commented Antonio Osborne, director of underwriting, corporate at HDI. “Marcus will play a key role in delivering innovative cyber risk solutions that align with our clients’ evolving needs.”
Aegon has announced the nomination of David Herzog, Lori Fouché, and Jay Ralph to its board of directors, pending shareholder approval at the company’s annual general meeting on June 12, 2025.
Fouché, with her background in driving transformation at TIAA and Prudential Financial, and Ralph, an Allianz veteran, will add valuable expertise to Aegon’s strategic direction.
Connelly expressed his gratitude for retiring board member Dona Young’s contributions to Aegon’s transformation, as the company seeks to strengthen its board in support of its ongoing strategy.
DLA Piper has strengthened its international insurance team with the appointment of Charles Rix, a seasoned M&A expert with nearly 30 years of experience advising global insurers. Rix’s appointment will support DLA Piper’s growth strategy, particularly in the areas of cross-border M&A transactions and regulatory matters. His vast expertise is expected to provide clients with critical insights into unlocking growth opportunities and navigating complex insurance industry challenges.
"Charles is a highly regarded practitioner, and his addition will enhance our offering as clients seek new ways to navigate cross-border complexities," said Jon Kenworthy, global co-chair of DLA Piper’s corporate group.
Pine Walk Capital Limited has appointed Tim Morgan to establish a new Accident & Health (A&H) Managing General Agency (MGA) as part of its strategy to diversify its portfolio.
Morgan, an A&H underwriter with over 20 years of experience, will lead the new MGA, which is expected to launch later in 2025, subject to regulatory approval.
The move is part of Pine Walk’s broader plan to expand into new business lines and target a growing global A&H market.
Rinku Patel, CEO of Pine Walk, highlighted the strategic importance of the new MGA in addressing the market’s demand for insurers capable of covering complex risks. The A&H business is valued at over $7 billion annually, and this expansion follows the successful launch of Pine Walk’s first casualty MGA.
