People Moves: Howden Taps Former Gallagher Exec Strickland to Launch Space Insurance Practice; Liberty Promotes Groenen to Head of Portfolio Solutions, Europe

This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Howden and Liberty Speciality Markets.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Howden Taps Former Gallagher Exec Strickland to Launch Space Insurance Practice

Howden, the London-based insurance intermediary group, has established a new dedicated space insurance capability led by industry veteran Clive Strickland.

Howden said the appointment reflects its strategy to become a leading broker in the global space insurance market. It will provide a full suite of insurance solutions for clients operating in the sector, including satellite owners, manufacturers, launch providers, government agencies, and commercial ventures.

Strickland is widely recognized as one of the most respected figures in the global space insurance market with over 25 years of experience in the sector, Howden said. He previously was a partner at Gallagher where he worked for more than five years, according to his LinkedIn profile. Prior to that, he was a partner at JLT Aerospace for nearly a decade.

Howden said this strategic initiative will enable it to deliver comprehensive insurance solutions for space-related risks, from satellite launches to in-orbit operations. According to Howden’s estimates, global premiums in the space market are worth around $600 million a year and it is projected to grow around 9% a year this decade.

Jason Humphreys, managing director and global practice leader, Aviation and Space, Howden, commented: “Clive’s appointment reflects Howden’s commitment to building a world-class space capability. His knowledge, drive, and leadership will not only help us deliver exceptional solutions for clients but also develop the next generation of space insurance specialists within Howden.”

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Liberty Promotes Groenen to New Role as Head of Portfolio Solutions, Europe

Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM), part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, announced the appointment of Rob Groenen as head of portfolio solutions, Europe, effective immediately.

Based in the Netherlands, Groenen will continue to report to Pierre-Edouard Fraigneau, president and chief underwriting officer, Europe, LSM. He maintains his role as general manager of Benelux and Nordics.

Groenen has been a valued Liberty employee for almost 19 years, joining in 2007 as country manager in the Netherlands, the company said. Since then, he has been responsible for expanding the portfolio and footprint to offer multi-class offerings across the Nordics and Benelux.

LSM said this is a newly created role, which brings together affinity and program business (APB) along with digital under one portfolio solutions operating model, which aims to provide a one-stop shop for clients. Product and underwriting knowledge will be centralized and coordinated, distribution teams will be synchronized in their approach, and local knowledge and expertise will continue to be deployed through long-term partnerships in the regions.

Groenen will have key accountability for the delivery of the business plan for delegated and digital business across Europe. This will include ensuring high quality end-to-end performance, and building and maintaining valuable relationships in the countries Liberty operates in.

“We are delighted that Rob will be taking on this new role. With his long tenure at Liberty, Rob has been integral to shaping the business we see in Europe today,” commented Fraigneau. “Under his leadership, the portfolio solutions function will be able to readily deploy our ABP and digital capabilities to meet the needs of our clients across Europe.”

Topics Europe A.J. Gallagher