HDI Global USA names new CEO

HDI Global USA has appointed Jim Clark as CEO, effective January 1.

Clark is currently the group’s chief underwriting officer and will succeed long-time CEO and president Lothar Becker.

He takes on responsibility for the continued growth of HDI Global USA and HDI Specialty USA, its excess and surplus lines subsidiary, as well as the company’s growing operations across Canada and Mexico.

Becker, who has been with the company for almost three decades, will continue to serve as deputy chairman of HDI Global USA and chairman of HDI Specialty USA.

Brad Diericx, chief financial officer of HDI Global USA since 2014, will assume the role of president, leading IT, human resources and operations activities, while maintaining responsibility for the finance function. Diericx formerly worked in merchant banking, consulting and public accounting.

Clark joined HDI Global USA in 2003 and has held a number of leadership positions within the company. He brings more than 30 years of underwriting and technology experience, having joined from Kemper Group, where he spent 12 years, handling all lines of business for international and domestic clients, including alternative risk and group captive business.

Jens Wohlthat, chairman of HDI Global USA, described the leadership transition has “very well planned and executed.” He praised Becker for driving growth across North America and Mexico, but insisted Clark and Diericx can drive a new phase of growth.

“They are very experienced insurance professionals, who not only understand the culture of our company, but are also highly motivated to continue the successful path of our North American operations,” Wohlthat said.