DUAL, the specialist underwriting arm of Howden Group Holdings, has announced the appointment of Marilena Rodriguez Forero as CEO for its newly established region, DUAL Latin America, effective 1 August 2024.
Rodriguez Forero brings over three decades of industry experience and joins DUAL from AXA where she served as P&C Underwriting Director. Prior to this, she worked at XL Catlin as Head of Facultative Business, Latam.
Based in Mexico, the executive will also become a member of DUAL’s Group Executive Committee, reporting to Richard Clapham, CEO, DUAL Group, who commented: “Marilena’s appointment is a significant milestone in DUAL’s growth journey.
“Latin America is a key insurance market with great potential, and Marilena will lead and expand our business in Latin America focusing on bringing in more great talent to expand our existing teams, building a compelling proposition for brokers and carriers across the region.”
DUAL has been present in Latin America since 2021, with underwriting teams based in Mexico, the largest reinsurance market in the region, and Brazil, Latam’s largest economy and insurance market.
Rodriguez Forero’s appointment reinforces the strategic importance of the region, DUAL stated. Leading the team in Brazil is Francisco Vogt Marques, who has over 20 years’ experience within the Brazilian and Latin American re/insurance industry across personal and corporate lines, insurance, assumed and ceded reinsurance.
DUAL’s Dock Re, based in Mexico, is led by Gabriel Buzo. The company underwrites insurance and reinsurance policies with a focus on Property, Casualty and Financial Lines, and a Lloyd’s coverholder.
Commenting on her appointment, Rodriguez Forero said: “I couldn’t be more excited to join DUAL and to contribute to the continued success of the Latin America region. As the CEO of a new region, this is a unique opportunity to become a part of DUAL Latin America’s already successful journey and lead its growth trajectory, with a strong focus on underwriting excellence and delivering a high standard of service to brokers.”
