HDI Global SE has announced the appointment of Claire McDonald as Managing Director (MD) of its UK and Ireland operations, effective 18 March 2019.
McDonald joins the company from Allianz Global & Corporate Specialty SE, where she served as Global Head of Operations.
She previously worked for over 31 years within the Allianz group of companies in a number of senior operational and underwriting roles.
In her new role, McDonald will succeed Richard Taylor, who recently joined the Executive Board of Management of HDI Global Specialty SE, the collaborative specialty insurance venture between HDI Global and Hannover Re, which commenced trading on 1 January.
At HDI Global Specialty, Taylor is responsible as Chief Marketing Officer and UK Managing Director.
Additionally, HDI Global has appointed Alan Waters to serve as interim UK and Ireland Managing Director until McDonald takes up the post.
Waters has spent the previous eight years as Director of Corporate Risks at HDI and is a member of the UK and Ireland Executive Committee.
“We are delighted to have attracted a leader of Claire’s calibre,” said Jens Wohlthat, HDI Executive Board Member.
“She combines strong insurance industry knowledge with proven operational skills and expertise that will be important to us as we focus on delivering our strategic growth and business opportunity targets in the region.”
Wohlthat continued: “I am very pleased that Alan has agreed to step up at this time. He is a true insurance professional with many years of experience in the market.
“His knowledge and in depth understanding of our UK and Irish businesses will provide strong leadership in the interim period, and a seamless handover in due course.”
Commenting on Taylor’s departure, Wohlthat added: “Richard has served the company as our UK and Ireland Managing Director for over 10 years. I would like to thank him for his dedication and very successful work and we wish him every success in his new role within HDI Global Specialty SE.”
