HDI Global Specialty snaps up Neon Underwriting’s bloodstock team

HDI Global Specialty, a creation of a  merger of the specialty lines activities of Hannover Re and HDI Global, has acquired Neon Underwriting’s bloodstock team.  The team is led by Mark Edwards, who has been Neon’s head of specialty and class underwriter bloodstock/livestock since 2008. Edwards brings with him a team of three, including deputy class underwriter Cathy Olive. The bloodstock team also includes underwriters Laura Moore and William Jordan, who have been working in the Lloyd’s and London markets, writing a global book notably in the UK, US, France, Australia and Canada. HDI Global Specialty was  launched at the beginning of this year with the strategic aim of combining organic growth with acquisitions of specialty teams and portfolios of high-margin business. The company expects its total annual premium volumes to be in excess of €1 billion. Ralph Beutter, CEO of HDI Global Specialty, said: “When launching HDI Global Specialty SE in January, I said that we would be creating a strong platform to maximise the opportunities that exist within specialty lines. Bringing in Mark Edwards and his team underlines this strategy and is an early sign of both our intentions, and our commitment to responding to clients’ needs.” Richard Taylor, member of the executive board of management and UK managing director at HDI Global Specialty added: “Mark Edwards and his bloodstock underwriting colleagues are one of the most experienced and highly regarded teams in the London market. They are genuine market leaders and an excellent addition to our specialty lines business. We will continue to look for organic and M&A opportunities to grow our profitability in our specialty lines business.”