Global insurance broker Howden has appointed Holger Schaefer, formerly of Allianz Group, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Germany, effective September 1st, 2021.
In his new role, Schaefer will lead Howden’s goals for the German marketplace by building on its strong presence and leveraging the businesses and their expertise to deliver innovative solutions for clients.
He will also have a focus on strategic acquisitions of other culturally aligned firms, and investing in both talent and digital transformation.
Schaefer joins Howden after more than three decades working for Allianz. Most recently, he held international roles as Regional CEO for Asia Pacific for Euler Hermes since 2016, and previously CEO of Allianz’s Corporate and Specialty operations in Australia and New Zealand.
Earlier in his career, he was part of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty, Germany for 20 years, where he held numerous senior roles in underwriting and sales.
Schaefer commented: “I am thrilled to be joining Howden at this exciting time as its ambitions for Germany and for its wider European platform are being realised. Howden is delivering on its strategy for growth and I’m delighted to be part of it. Howden’s ‘People First’ approach and culture of employee ownership is appealing to both clients – from SMEs, through to mid-market firms and multinationals – and also talent looking for a credible alternative in a consolidating broker market.”
José Manuel González, CEO, Howden Broking, added: “I am delighted to welcome Holger to the group, who will lead our continuing expansion in the German market, building on the success we have delivered there so far and taking it to the next level. Our ambition is to be one of the top three brokers in key markets across Europe through strategic acquisitions, organic growth and investment in talent.
“Holger’s appointment shows that we are consistently delivering on our plan and we are proud that he has chosen to join us.”
The addition of Schaefer in Germany follows the recent appointments of Felix Jenny to lead its new retail operation in Switzerland, and Luigi Sturani as CEO, Europe and Enrico Nanni as Chief Commercial Officer, Europe.
Outside of Europe, Howden recently named Matt Bacon to serve as CEO of Howden Australia, a new entrant into the country’s broker market.
