Howden, the London-based insurance intermediary, has announced the appointment of Patrick De Baets as the new CEO of Howden Belgium, effective immediately. De Baets brings over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, having previously held senior roles in Belgium and Europe. Before joining Howden, he was the head of Foyer Assurances in Belgium and has also served as CEO of Touring Assurances (part of AXA Group) and BNP Paribas Cardif Belgium.
Howden believes De Baets’ extensive knowledge of the Belgian insurance market and his successful track record in driving growth make him an ideal choice to lead the company’s expansion in Belgium. Since entering the Belgian market in 2020, Howden has seen rapid growth through both organic development and strategic acquisitions. The company has also expanded into Luxembourg, enhancing its presence in the region. With a focus on providing specialized, client-first solutions, Howden Belgium aims to continue its growth trajectory.
In related news, Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM), part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, has announced new leadership for three of its newly formed divisions in the UK and MENA region. These divisions focus on marine & aviation, specialty, and property.
Meghan Walker will head the marine & aviation division, which includes aviation, marine cargo, and ports & terminals. Walker has been with Liberty for 13 years and has led the aviation team since 2020. Mike Burle will lead the specialty division, which covers fine art, equine, and war & terrorism, among other areas. He has been with Liberty for 16 years and has held various roles, including head of marine.
Dermot Walsh, who was previously in charge of commercial property, will take on a new role as director of UK retail. He will oversee the leadership proposition in the UK retail market. Lewis Edwards will continue to lead the delegated authority practice, focusing on governance and underwriting.
These new appointments are part of Liberty’s strategy to better align with client and broker needs. The changes aim to enhance decision-making and improve service delivery. Liberty’s leadership believes that these moves will help the company respond more effectively to market demands and create more opportunities for its employees.