Specialty insurer, HDI Global Specialty SE has announced the appointment of Alexander Wiebe from AXA, as the insurer intends to enter the German Fine Art and high net worth insurance market.
Weibe joins the insurer as Head of Fine Art & Lifestyle Continental Europe and Managing Director of HDI Global Specialty Underwriting Agency.
He will be bringing over 20 years of insurance experience and is the former CFO at AXA ART, with the task of building a Fine Art and Lifestyle underwriting team based in Cologne.
HDI Global Specialty will initially launch an all-risks cover for art and collectors’ items, specifically targeting private customers, galleries and museums.
The insurer will also be offering policies to high net worth private customers, for valuable household contents and residential buildings as part of an all-risk cover.
The new policies are being developed by HDI Global Specialty Underwriting Agency GmbH, (HGSU) leveraging resources throughout the HDI organisation.
In the medium term, the new Fine Art team is expected to supplement art and Lifestyle insurance with additional services and increase the product range for wealthy private customers and internationalise its business activities.
Ralph Beutter, HDI Global Specialty CEO said: “Alexander has an enviable track record in the insurance industry in general and in Fine Art and high net worth insurance in particular.
“Having spent five years on the Board of AXA ART, his experience will no doubt prove invaluable as we establish ourselves as a significant player in the German market. The new team will complement the existing Fine Art underwriting operations in London, headed up by Nick Brett.”
Wiebe added: “I am looking forward to using my years of experience and market knowledge in building a new team here in Cologne. HDI Global Specialty has made significant progress since its launch at the start of 2019, and I look forward to playing my part in its continued growth and success.”
