Howden Re Launches Office in Ireland, With Former McGill Exec Carpenter at Helm

Howden Re, the global reinsurance brokerage arm of Howden Group, announced it has launched an office in Ireland to expand its European footprint.

Ireland is now the fourth-largest insurance market in the EU, generating over €100 billion in annual premiums, Howden Re said, noting that the country’s robust regulatory environment makes it a natural bridge between the EU and the US.

With international insurers increasingly shifting underwriting and reinsurance functions to Ireland, the country is also fast becoming a strategic hub for global risk capital, the broker added.

David Carpenter has been appointed director, Howden Re Ireland, bringing over 20 years of experience in reinsurance and broking across Dublin, London, and international markets. He holds an Master of Science degree in Insurance and Risk Management and is a fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Carpenter’s career has spanned both client and broking roles, most recently at McGill and Partners. Based in Dublin, Carpenter is at the forefront of the company’s expansion in Ireland, building a local team to deliver innovative reinsurance solutions for Irish insurers, MGAs and captives, Howden Re said.

“Ireland’s role in the European reinsurance landscape has evolved quickly. By establishing an on-the-ground presence, Howden Re is building on the extensive work of our retail colleagues who have established a trusted and recognised brand across Ireland,” commented Sebastian Cook, deputy CEO, of Howden Re International.

“Together, we will bring clients closer to the insight, capacity and capital they need, delivered by a team that understands the market and its direction,” Cook added.

“Ireland is an important market for our clients, particularly across the domestic insurance space, but also for global clients with complementary Irish portfolios, as well as the MGA and captive segments where demand for specialist reinsurance continues to grow,” according to Matthew Westerman, managing director, Howden Re International, UK&I, said. “By investing locally, we’re making it easier for clients to access world-class analytical, broking and advisory support.”

Source: Howden Re