Howden Tiger snags rival talent in casualty reinsurance push
Howden Tiger, the reinsurance and capital advisory arm of Howden Group, has expanded its global casualty division with a senior recruit from rival Guy Carpenter, as the business looks to build its capabilities in North America.
Carrie Byler has joined the company as managing director and head of US general casualty. Byler will focus on the growth of casualty as a core product and market differentiator for Howden Tiger.
Byler’s role will include leadership of the US general casualty practice, senior account responsibilities involving casualty and professional lines, and business development, responding to developing market conditions and client needs. She reports to global head of casualty, Josh Everdell.
Previously a senior executive at Guy Carpenter, Byler has extensive North American casualty market experience.
Everdell commented: “Carrie has built an excellent reputation in the marketplace as a talented broker and outstanding leader. Her market knowledge furthers our depth of expertise and experience across all US Casualty lines. I am thrilled to welcome her to the Howden Tiger team.”
Tim Ronda, Howden Tiger CEO, said: “Carrie is an expert in her field and her entrepreneurial approach and commitment to exceptional client service perfectly fit our company culture. She and the other tremendous hires we’ve made into the US Casualty Division in the last 18 months are building a market leading practice. By investing in our people, and providing the opportunity and freedom to excel, Howden Tiger is attracting a pipeline of talent that will lead us into the future, challenging the status quo, constantly innovating, and bringing the best of Howden to our clients.”
Howden Tiger explained that it had been building its US casualty practice over the last 18 months. Managing director hires into Howden Tiger US Casualty include: Weston Vosburgh, who joined the company in July 2023 to build out Howden Tiger’s workers compensation practice and act as a senior account executive covering casualty lines. Weston joined Howden Tiger following over 20 years with Aon.
Chris Bilski also joined in July 2023 with 20 years of reinsurance experience. He joined Howden Tiger from IAT Insurance, where he was a multiline treaty underwriter, assumed reinsurance. Previously, Bilski spent 18 years at Munich Reinsurance America, most recently as SVP, casualty treaty underwriter.
Steven Hanke joined the business in March 2023, bringing casualty and professional lines expertise. Hanke joined from Sompo International, where he was president of North American reinsurance, and previously, EVP, head of professional liability reinsurance US.
David Baruch joined in February 2023 from Guy Carpenter with over 20 years of reinsurance broking experience. The new hires join managing directors Jim Walsh and Garrick Smith in casualty and professional lines.
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