HDI Global turns to the US with new strategy

HDI Global (HDI) has announced that as part of its new group strategy Xcelerate29 it is placing a strong focus on growth in the US market. The insurer has announced a new organisational setup, and leadership changes in its US business. 

Shadi Albert (pictured) will assume the role of chief executive of HDI Global US as of July 13. He replaces Jim Clark, who will step down, effective immediately. Also with immediate effect, Dr. York von Falkenhayn has been appointed interim chief executive of HDI Global US until July 13. These appointments are part of an organisational realignment with Xcelerate29, aimed at strengthening client centricity in the US and expanding HDI’s role as a commercial carrier in the US. All appointments are subject to regulatory approval.

Most recently, Albert worked for WR Berkley Corporation, including as President of Vela Insurance Services. Prior to that he was President of Berkley Luxury Group, where he drove transformational growth and operational performance. Earlier in his career, Albert gained extensive experience across the insurance value chain, including senior roles at global brokers Aon, Marsh, and WTW, as well as executive leadership positions at US-based insurance companies.

HDI said that it thanked Clark for his contribution to the evolution of HDI’s US business. “Jim has been with HDI for 23 years and has played a pivotal role in the development of our US business. I would like to thank him for his contributions to establishing our operations in the US and I wish him all the best for the future,” said Dr. Mukadder Erdönmez, member of the HDI Global executive board, responsible for liability, motor, cyber and the US market. “The US is a critical growth market for HDI Global and central to our ambition to be a truly global and trusted Partner in Transformation for our clients and broker partners. We are now entering the next phase of growth, positioning HDI Global US as a commercial carrier that serves broker partners and clients more directly with tailored corporate and specialty insurance solutions. As part of this evolution, we are sharpening our strategic focus and aligning our leadership setup.”

Dr. Erdönmez continued: “I am pleased to welcome Shadi as our new US CEO. His strong track record across both broker and carrier roles gives him a deep understanding of the US market. Under Shadi’s leadership, we will further strengthen our presence in the US and create added value for our clients and broker partners. I am also pleased that York will serve as our Interim CEO until Shadi takes over in mid-July.”

Albert said: “I am truly excited to take on this role and the opportunities ahead. The US market offers significant long-term potential, and HDI Global US is well positioned for future growth. I look forward to working with our teams, clients and broker partners to build on this strong foundation.”

Dr. Edgar Puls, chief executive of HDI Global SE, said: “The US is a key market for our growth ambitions and central to our strategy Xcelerate29. With our new organisational setup, we are strengthening our client focus and positioning our US business as a relevant commercial carrier for corporate and specialty solutions.

“I would like to thank Jim for his dedication and his contribution to our US business over more than two decades. At the same time, I am very pleased to welcome Shadi as our new US CEO. I am confident that, together with our teams, he will successfully lead HDI Global US into the next chapter of disciplined growth and increasing relevance in the market.”

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