Howden taps former AIG/XL exec to help manage global growth

Broker  Howden has appointed an experienced former  AIG and  AXA XL executive as an independent non-executive director.

Kelly Lyles (pictured) began her career with AIG in New York before moving to London and Paris where she held multiple leadership roles, with responsibility across EMEA. From AIG, she moved to XL Catlin where she was a member of the Group Leadership Team, responsible for managing the insurer’s presence around the world, a role that she continued when XL merged with AXA.

Howden Group CEO, David Howden commented: “Key to our success has always been attracting talented individuals with different perspectives. Kelly’s wealth of experience in running global teams at some of the world’s largest insurers will be an asset as we continue to grow our business whilst retaining our culture and agility. We are absolutely thrilled to have her on board.”

The employee-owned group now has more than 8,500 people in over 45 territories and handles over $11bn premium on behalf of clients.

Dominic Collins, Howden Group chairman, added: “Since the beginning of 2015 the efforts of our colleagues and the support of our external investors have resulted in our Enterprise Value increasing by seven times, whilst our EBITDA has increased by five times. During the same period our share price has quadrupled and, very encouragingly, we now have five times as many employee shareholders. To maintain this level of success as we continue to build our business requires an even greater breadth and depth of expertise and advice; I am delighted Kelly has chosen to join us to help guide us over the coming years.”

Lyles said: “What really attracted me to Howden was the authenticity of its leadership and culture. Maintaining its nimbleness and people-first approach as it continues to grow will be no easy task but I’m convinced it is a business that can achieve anything it sets its mind to. This is a passionate group of entrepreneurs on an impressive journey to build a better kind of business. I’m very excited to join them.”

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