Big changes at HDI amid leadership shake up of £1bn GWP UK&I business

Talanx Group-owned insurer  HDI has restructured its operations in the UK & Ireland to align its commercial and specialty businesses, in a move aimed at streamlining its functions to drive efficiencies and support future growth initiatives.

The move will see  HDI Global and  HDI Global Specialty’s UK and Ireland branches be aligned under a common leadership structure responsible for over £1 billion in gross written premiums. The existing governance structures for both  HDIG and HGS will remain.

The current  HDI Global Specialty UK managing director Richard Taylor (pictured) has been appointed to lead the operation in a new role as UK and Ireland chief executive officer, overseeing both HDI Global (HDIG) and  HDI Global Specialty (HGS) businesses. Taylor will also retain his position as member of the executive board (HGS).

Stephanie Ogden and Rafael Rebitzky will support Taylor in his new role. Ogden is appointed managing director  HDIG UK & Ireland having previously held the position director of underwriting and distribution.  Rebitzky is named managing director of HGS, UK, having previously held the position of underwriting director for specialty lines.

The alignment and appointments within HDI’s businesses in the UK and Ireland follow  HDIG acquiring Hannover Re 49.8% stake in HGS back in January to become the 100% shareholder, together with the appointment of Claire McDonald, the previous managing director of  HDIG UK and Ireland to the HDIG Management Board to lead the property, marine cargo and engineering and construction lines of business.

HDI said these changes are primarily designed to deliver products and services more effectively, “putting broker partners and clients at the forefront of the proposition”, while creating a platform for internal talent to develop their careers across both businesses.

Taylor,  HDI UK and Ireland CEO said: “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. 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.”

Ogden added: “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. Whilst 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.”

Rebitzky commented: “ HDI Global Specialty has been very successful since 2019 by investing and significantly expanding into London Specialty insurance. On the basis of strong lead market teams and our long term commitment to the London Market, our clients, brokers and managing agents should benefit from a more cohesive business proposition across  HDI Global and  HDI Global Specialty.”

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