International insurance broker Howden is entering a strategic partnership with insurance intermediary network Steadfast that will see the creation of an Australian broking operation.
The partnership will also look to support Steadfast’s London Market broking requirements.
Meanwhile, Howden in Australia will join Steadfast’s network – the country’s largest general insurance platform – in an effort to leverage its scale, strength and access.
This new operation, focused on corporate, people risks and other specialty lines, will be lead by Andre Louw as Chairman and Igor Fijan as CFO.
Louw is the former Chairman of Marsh for the Pacific region and JLT for Australasia while Fijan was formerly Head of Integration of Marsh for the Pacific region and CFO of JLT, Australasia.
“I’ve known Robert Kelly for over 20 years and have admired his unwavering conviction and drive to build Steadfast into the largest general insurance broker network in Australia by bringing exceptional businesses together to do more for clients,” said David Howden.
“We share not only a relentless focus on our clients but also a core belief that by bringing together entrepreneurial talent in an empowering, aligned and collaborative culture, we can achieve something special.”
Robert Kelly, CEO at Steadfast, added, “There is a clear opportunity in the Australian broking market for a credible international alternative, and for the existing clients of Steadfast members to have access to expertise and capacity in London and globally.
“Howden’s brand, talent, and expertise in specialty, both internationally and in the London Market, will offer important and differentiated choice to our members and clients, giving them access to Howden’s experts across more than 90 territories.
“Importantly, we know Howden very well, and share an outlook and ethos that mean our partnerships in London and Australia will be a natural development in our long relationship. There is a bright future for our partnership and our clients.”
Commenting on the announcement, Louw said, “We are delighted to have joined the Howden team and have now seen for ourselves what the culture of empowerment and ‘People First’ means here and how embedded it is right across the organisation.
“With this culture and an international platform behind us, this launch represents a game changer for clients operating in the Australian market; it will transform the broking landscape by offering choice, expertise and local distribution against the backdrop of a consolidating market.”
