Howden Employee Benefits appoints new executive director
Howden Employee Benefits has appointed Hugh Bennett (pictured) as executive director of corporate consulting, an appointment that it says strengthens its leadership as it invests in helping employers get greater value and impact from their employee benefits strategies.
Bennett brings more than 15 years’ experience in employee benefits consulting and has spent the past decade at Howden. During that time, he has played a key role in building strong client relationships and helping employers develop benefits strategies shaped around the needs of their organisation and people.
In his new role, Bennett will lead the next phase of Howden’s Employee Benefits Corporate Consulting, bringing together specialist expertise, market insight and practical advice to help clients navigate increasing cost pressures, changing employee expectations and a more complex benefits landscape. The focus will be on helping employers make informed decisions and ensure their benefits deliver value for both their people and their organisation.
The appointment comes during a period of significant growth and investment for Howden Employee Benefits, following the expansion of the business through the recent acquisitions of Barnett Waddingham and Evelyn Partners. It also follows the recent appointment of Jeff Fox as Executive Director of Platform and Engagement Solutions, further strengthening the leadership team as Howden invests in its capabilities and builds on strong client relationships and service.
Bennett’s appointment was effective from 1 November 2026 and he will report to Cheryl Brennan, managing director of Howden Employee Benefits.
Brennan said: “Hugh has a deep understanding of our clients and the challenges employers face in getting the best from their benefits investment. He has played an important role in developing our Corporate Consulting business and his combination of consulting experience, commercial insight and focus on client outcomes makes him the right person to lead its next phase.
“This is an exciting time for Howden Employee Benefits. We have strong ambitions for the business and are continuing to invest in the people, expertise and capabilities that will deliver greater value for our clients. Hugh’s appointment, alongside other recent additions to our leadership team, reflects both the momentum in the business and our ambition for the future.”
Bennett said: “Employers are under increasing pressure to make sure their benefits deliver real value, both for their people and their organisation. Our role is to understand what each client is trying to achieve, bring together the right expertise and insight, and help them make informed decisions about where and how they invest.
“We have a real opportunity to build on the strength of our Corporate Consulting business and the wider expertise across Howden. I’m excited to lead its next phase and continue building the strong, long-term partnerships we have with our clients.”
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