People Moves: Howden Taps Hughes From IAG as CEO of New Zealand; BHSI Promotes Esa to Head of National Business, UK

This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Howden and Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Howden Taps Hughes From IAG as CEO of New Zealand

Howden, the London-based global insurance intermediary group, announced the appointment of Chris Hughes as chief executive officer of the Howden broking business in New Zealand.

He will report to Matt Bacon, CEO, Howden Pacific, when he joins Howden in November after fulfilling his contractual obligations to his current employer, Insurance Australia Group (IAG).

Hughes is a seasoned insurance executive, bringing over three decades of industry experience and a strong track record in strategic leadership and operational excellence. He joins Howden from IAG/NZI, where he held several roles including executive manager, Complex & Specialist Risks, and executive manager, Broker & Specialist Claims. He ran profit and loss, distribution and sales strategy, SME distribution and personal lines, as well managing market relationships

Prior to IAG, he spent 17 years at Rothbury Insurance Brokers, rising to executive general manager, Broking Services and Business Operations.

Hughes’ practical experience gives him valuable insight into client needs and long-term relationships, said Howden. His expertise in the New Zealand insurance industry, proven focus, and delivery through innovation and growth position him well to lead Howden as it continues to expand in the Pacific region.

After Hughes takes on his new position in November, Nigel Wallace will transition to the role of chair of Howden’s broking business in New Zealand. While in the role of CEO, Wallace, who came to Howden as part of the acquisition of Wallace McLean in 2022, oversaw significant growth of Howden New Zealand.

“We are beyond thrilled to have Chris join Howden, bringing with him superb skills and experience to impart to the business. We have taken our time to find the right person for this role, and we believe that Chris will provide the leadership Howden needs to continue its growth strategy in New Zealand and the Pacific region,” commented Bacon.

“This appointment also allows Nigel to step into the role of chair, so that the business can continue to benefit from his valuable wisdom and guidance. I want to personally thank Nigel for his leadership and support since taking the CEO role which oversaw significant growth for Howden in New Zealand,” he added.

After entering New Zealand in 2021, Howden said it has grown rapidly through a combination of strong organic growth and strategic acquisitions.

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BHSI Promotes Esa to Head of National Business, UK

Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance (BHSI) announced it has named Irfan Esa as head of National Business in the UK.

Esa joined BHSI in 2020 as manager of National Property, UK. Prior to that he spent 12 years in increasingly senior positions at another insurer. He has more than two decades of UK insurance industry experience.

Esa is based in Manchester and can be reached at irfan.esa@bhspecialty.com.

“Irfan has been instrumental in driving the strategic build out of our National Property business over the past five years,” said Nick Major, country manager, UK, BHSI. “With his keen eye for untapped opportunities — and his excellent capabilities and strong character – he is the ideal candidate to lead the continued growth of our National business, bringing our property, casualty and specialty lines solutions to customers outside the London market.”

BHSI in Manchester provides property, casualty, and executive & professional lines.