HDI Global Specialty SE has appointed Michael McEwen (pictured) as head of aviation in Canada.

McEwen was most recently associated with Canadian Aviation Insurance Managers. In his new role with HDI Global Specialty SE, he will lead the firm’s entry into the Canadian general aviation market, including creating an aviation underwriting team serving the specialist aviation broker market in Canada. The team’s focus will be fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft for commercial, industrial aid, and private risks, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

“I’m delighted to have Mike onboard to lead our aviation initiative in Canada. He brings a strong track record in the market with a well-established reputation,” said HDI Global Specialty SE Canadian general manager & chief agent Derek Spafford. “As a new player locally, we wanted to bring in a leader who is already well known and respected.”

Spafford also noted that the Canadian aviation insurance market is tight-knit – McEwen’s existing relationships will help HDI Global succeed in the space, he added.

“I’m looking forward to driving the growth in scope and scale of HDI Global Specialty’s Canadian aviation business over the coming months,” commented McEwen.