Howden’s DUAL snags Allianz pro for bold £1.5bn GWP UK transformation
DUAL, the specialist underwriting arm of Howden Group Holdings, has hired a new CEO to spearhead its bold plans to “transform” the UK business that currently manages £700 million GWP and offers 30+ business lines. The MGA aims to expand the UK business, including a London Market specialty underwriting operation, targeting a GWP of £1.5 billion.
Simon McGinn (pictured) has been appointed as CEO of its UK business, subject to regulatory approval. He will join DUAL on January 1, 2024 and will report to Richard Clapham, CEO, DUAL Group.
McGinn joins DUAL from global insurer Allianz having held several roles there over 19 years, most recently as CEO Allianz Commercial, Allianz UK.
Clapham said: “We are delighted to welcome Simon to DUAL. Attracting someone of Simon’s calibre to head our UK leadership team is a strong endorsement of the potential we have to grow our already significant UK business. Simon’s leadership skills and proven expertise makes him the perfect person to lead our UK business going forward. He brings an exceptional knowledge of the UK insurance landscape, its evolving trends and the emerging opportunities they present. Simon’s vision will see us invest further in the people, technology and data needed to provide our brokers and their clients with expertly tailored products combined with an exceptional digitally-enabled service.”
David Howden, CEO, Howden Group, added: “25 years ago we launched DUAL in Spain, delivering high quality underwriting for our capacity partners and regional distribution, innovative products and service excellence for our local broker partners. Today DUAL operates in 21 countries underwriting over £2.5bn premium including a significant London Market specialty underwriting operation.
“Under Simon's leadership, we now have the opportunity to build regionally across the UK, by attracting the very best talent to ensure we are delivering the quality underwriting results we are known for whilst growing the UK business to £1.5bn GWP. It is an exciting moment for DUAL.”
McGinn commented: “Naturally, I am excited to be joining one of the world’s leading MGAs. As client and broker expectations continue to change and the insurance sector continues to evolve, we’re seeing multiple opportunities created and the need to respond quickly to clients’ needs has never been greater. DUAL has already proven itself to be a business with a strong sense of purpose and direction and I am looking forward to working with the leadership team to continue the growth they have already seen in the UK. As we’re looking to expand the business, I am sure that DUAL’s people first and empowered culture, combined with its strong focus on underwriting excellence, will continue to attract capacity providers, brokers and great people to the business.”
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