Howden swoops on rival Aon for new CEO of key European market

Re/insurance broker  Howden has hired a new chief executive officer (CEO) of a key European market from rival  Aon, as it looks to further expand its international footprint while strengthening expertise and adding more specialisms to its offering.

Federico Casini (Pictured) has joined the group as CEO of Howden Italy. He will lead a business that Howden claims is now the “third largest broker in the country”.

Federico comes from Aon SpA, where he has spent the past 17 years, most recently holding the position of executive chairman, where he oversaw the business development and coordination of Aon’s Italian operations.

With close to 30 years’ experience in the insurance industry, previously holding senior roles at leading broking firms including Poseidon Insurance Brokers and Sanpaolo Imi Insurance Broker Spa, Federico has extensive knowledge of the insurance market.

Howden Italy, established in 2021, currently employs over 800 people having grown significantly following a series of strategic acquisitions, including Assiteca, and most recently Assimovie.

Casini said: “Howden Italy has quickly grown to become one of the most reputable firms in the Italian broking market, combining local presence and expertise, with the Group’s global outlook and network. Being appointed to the helm of Howden Italy is a great honour, and I’m excited to take Howden Italy’s growth to the next phase, strengthening our centres of expertise across Italy and adding further specialisms to our offering.”

Luigi Sturani, CEO of Howden Europe, commented: “As we continue to expand our international footprint, we’re delighted to welcome Federico to oversee the growth and success of our Italian operations. Bringing over three decades of experience within the Italian market, Federico has unrivalled knowledge of the insurance landscape and is the perfect leader to enable Howden to achieve its ambitions in the Italian market and bringing choice to clients and talent in this key European market."

Jose Manuel Gonzalez, CEO of Howden Broking Group, added: “The success of our European operations to date highlights that the market is crying out for European-focused alternatives. Specialist knowledge, relationships and insurance expertise continues to drive our growth across the continent. Attracting the best talent in Europe is therefore central to our growth strategy and ambition to become the broker of choice.”

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