Corporate and specialty lines insurer, HDI Global (HDI), in alignment with its new strategy, Xcelerate29, has appointed Shadi Albert as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HDI Global US, effective July 13th, 2026. Jim Clark, CEO of HDI Global US, will step down effective immediately.
To ensure a smooth leadership transition, effective immediately, Dr. York von Falkenhayn will assume the role of Interim CEO until July 13, in addition to his current duties as Head of Market Management USA.
The insurer explained that this move aims to strengthen client centricity in the US, through a new organisational setup, place a strong focus on growth in the regional market, and expand HDI’s role as a commercial carrier in the region. All appointments are subject to regulatory approval.
To meet the requirements of the Xcelerate29 strategy, HDI Global is reorganising its US operations with the clear objective of bringing underwriting, claims, and service teams closer to brokers and clients.
Most recently, Albert served at W. R. Berkley Corporation as President of Vela Insurance Services. Before this, he was President of Berkley Luxury Group, where he drove transformational growth and operational performance.
In his new role, he will help HDI Global US further accelerate the execution of its growth strategy in the US. Earlier in his career, Albert gained extensive experience across the insurance value chain, including senior roles at global brokers Aon, Marsh, and WTW, and in executive leadership positions at US-based insurance companies.
Dr. York von Falkenhayn joined HDI Global in 2020 and currently serves as Head of Market Management USA. He has played a key role in developing Xcelerate29, with a strong focus on growth and operational excellence.
As Jim Clark leaves the business, the company thanks him for his contribution to the evolution of HDI’s US business.
Dr. Mukadder Erdönmez, Member of the HDI Global SE Executive Board, responsible for Liability, Motor, Cyber and the US Market, commented, “Jim has been with HDI for 23 years and has played a pivotal role in the development of our US business. I would like to thank him for his contributions to establishing our operations in the US, and I wish him all the best for the future.
“The US is a critical growth market for HDI Global and central to our ambition to be a truly global and trusted Partner in Transformation for our clients and broker partners. We are now entering the next phase of growth, positioning HDI Global US as a commercial carrier that serves broker partners and clients more directly with tailored corporate and specialty insurance solutions. As part of this evolution, we are sharpening our strategic focus and aligning our leadership setup.”
Dr. Erdönmez continued, “I am pleased to welcome Shadi as our new US CEO. His strong track record across both broker and carrier roles gives him a deep understanding of the US market. Under Shadi’s leadership, we will further strengthen our presence in the US and create added value for our clients and broker partners. I am also pleased that York will serve as our Interim CEO until Shadi takes over in mid-July.”
Albert said, “I am truly excited to take on this role and the opportunities ahead. The US market offers significant long-term potential, and HDI Global US is well-positioned for future growth. I look forward to working with our teams, clients and broker partners to build on this strong foundation.”
Dr. Edgar Puls, CEO of HDI Global SE, added, “The US is a key market for our growth ambitions and central to our strategy Xcelerate29. With our new organisational setup, we are strengthening our client focus and positioning our US business as a relevant commercial carrier for corporate and specialty solutions.
“I would like to thank Jim for his dedication and his contribution to our US business over more than two decades. At the same time, I am very pleased to welcome Shadi as our new US CEO. I am confident that, together with our teams, he will successfully lead HDI Global US into the next chapter of disciplined growth and increasing relevance in the market.”
HDI Global US comprises HDI Global Insurance Company, HDI Global Select Insurance Company, and HDI Specialty Insurance Company.
