Howden, the global insurance broker specialising in insurance, reinsurance and risk advisory services, has appointed John Zern as Vice Chair of Health and Benefits at Howden US.
Zern will take on a senior leadership role within Howden’s US Health and Benefits business, where he will work on expanding the practice’s reach among employers and contribute to the development of the firm’s US strategy.
Howden said the appointment comes as employers contend with higher healthcare expenditure, growing pharmacy costs, complex medical claims and increasing demand from employees for more personalised benefits.
The company added that its Health and Benefits offering is also being developed around the use of data, technology and artificial intelligence as employers seek to manage healthcare expenditure while responding to changing workforce expectations.
Zern joins Howden with more than 35 years of experience across employee benefits and property and casualty businesses. During his career, he has held leadership positions involving the development and growth of major benefits operations, including at one of the largest global brokers in the sector. Most recently, Zern was president and CEO of Ryan Specialty Benefits.
Mike Parrish, CEO of Howden Americas, commented: “John is among the most respected leaders in this industry, and his experience building and scaling benefits businesses will prove instrumental as we provide Health and Benefits offerings that set new standards. Attracting leaders of John’s caliber is how we keep raising the bar for clients.”
Howden said Zern’s appointment follows continued investment in its Health and Benefits operations internationally. The company has expanded the division through acquisitions and senior appointments, with the firm saying these developments have increased its capabilities across multiple markets.
In the US, the Health and Benefits business is intended to provide employers with specialist advice and services supported by the wider resources of its international organisation.
Zern added: “Employers are under more pressure than ever to deliver benefits that work for their people while addressing the increased investment in healthcare spend. Howden’s specialist-led, data-informed and technology-forward client service model is exactly what this moment needs. I’m excited to advance an already distinctive Health and Benefits business with an exceptional team that breaks from the industry’s status quo by giving our clients the clarity and control they need, backed by the scale and expertise of a truly global platform.”
Glenn Thomas, UK CEO and Global Practice Head of Health & Benefits at Howden, said: “John’s decision to join as Vice Chair of the US Health & Benefits division is testament to the scale and quality of the business we are building. John’s expertise, experience and leadership underline our unwavering focus on putting the client at the heart of everything we do. With a global business comprising over 4,000 colleagues across 42 countries, we are very pleased to welcome John as together we continue this exciting journey.”
