Howden Re, the reinsurance arm of broking group Howden, has expanded and strengthened its European presence by establishing a new office in Ireland.
The broker believes this move will enhance its ability to support clients in one of the region’s most important and fast-evolving insurance markets. It also aims to bring clients closer to Howden Re’s data-led reinsurance, analytics, and capital advisory capabilities, delivered through a local team with deep market understanding.
David Carpenter has been appointed Director, Howden Re Ireland. He will be based in Dublin, and is at the forefront of Howden Re’s expansion in the country, building a local team to deliver innovative reinsurance solutions for Irish insurers, MGAs, and captives.
He has over two decades of experience in reinsurance and broking across Dublin, London, and international markets. Most recently, he served at broker McGill and Partners, and has held both client and broking roles throughout his career.
According to Howden Re, Ireland has become an increasingly significant centre for international insurance. With a strong domestic market, it is the fourth-largest insurance market in the EU, generating over €100 billion in annual premiums.
Its robust regulatory environment makes it a “natural bridge between the EU and the US.” With international insurers increasingly shifting underwriting and reinsurance functions to Ireland, the country is also fast becoming a strategic hub for global risk capital.
Sebastian Cook, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Howden Re International, commented, “Ireland’s role in the European reinsurance landscape has evolved quickly. By establishing an on-the-ground presence, Howden Re is building on the extensive work of our retail colleagues who have established a trusted and recognised brand across Ireland. Together, we will bring clients closer to the insight, capacity and capital they need, delivered by a team that understands the market and its direction.”
Matthew Westerman, Managing Director, Howden Re International, UK&I, said, “Ireland is an important market for our clients, particularly across the domestic insurance space, but also for global clients with complementary Irish portfolios, as well as the MGA and captive segments where demand for specialist reinsurance continues to grow. By investing locally, we’re making it easier for clients to access world-class analytical, broking and advisory support.
“David’s appointment underlines that ambition. He brings exceptional technical knowledge, a deep understanding of how to align capital with client objectives, and extensive local experience of the Irish market and its evolving regulatory and capital landscape. By investing locally, we continue to meet our clients where they need us, combining local presence with global expertise.”
Carpenter added, “Our focus is to provide clear, practical reinsurance advice that helps clients connect capital to risk more effectively. Domestic and international insurers operating in this market, MGAs and captives deserve locally based reinsurance advice, backed by the best analytical and broking expertise in the market. I’m delighted to be joining this dedicated team as we build our reinsurance presence in the Irish market.”
Mark Nolan, CEO, Howden Ireland, said, “Ireland’s insurance market is growing in depth and sophistication, and the establishment of Howden Re here reflects the confidence we have in its long-term potential. Our clients deserve locally grounded reinsurance expertise, backed by the analytical strength and global reach of Howden Re. David’s appointment is a significant step forward, and I look forward to seeing what this team will build.”
