Howden appoints Zern to head up US health & benefits division

Howden has appointed John Zern (pictured) as vice chair of health and benefits at Howden US, a move that the company said positions it to lead employers through the steepest sustained rise in healthcare costs in more than two decades.

Zern will oversee Howden's health and benefits practice, growing its presence across the employer community and helping to shape the firm's US strategy. He joins as employers face mounting pressure from increasing pharmacy spend, complex medical claims and employees' expectations for more personalised benefits — all while needing to be underpinned by superior data- and AI-driven strategies.

Zern brings more than 35 years of experience leading and growing significant employee benefits and property-casualty businesses, including at one of the industry's largest global brokers. He joins Howden from Ryan Specialty Benefits, where he served as president and chief executive.

“John is among the most respected leaders in this industry, and his experience building and scaling benefits businesses will prove instrumental as we provide Health and Benefits offerings that set new standards,” said Mike Parrish, chief executive of Howden Americas. “Attracting leaders of John’s calibre is how we keep raising the bar for clients.”

As a member of Howden's senior US leadership team, Zern's appointment builds on the firm's global investment in the space, including recent acquisitions and senior hires that have significantly scaled its international Health and Benefits capability, positioning Howden as a leading firm of choice for employers seeking a more specialised, client-first partner in the US market.

“Employers are under more pressure than ever to deliver benefits that work for their people while addressing the increased investment in healthcare spend. Howden's specialist-led, data-informed and technology-forward client service model is exactly what this moment needs. I'm excited to advance an already distinctive Health and Benefits business with an exceptional team that breaks from the industry's status quo by giving our clients the clarity and control they need, backed by the scale and expertise of a truly global platform,” said Zern.  

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