Howden Re has announced the appointment of Sebastian Cook (pictured above) as the new deputy CEO of Howden Re International.

Cook’s career includes significant roles in major industry firms, including a tenure as managing director and head of European broking solutions & London Europe at Guy Carpenter from March 2021 to March 2024. He also served as a member of the European board of management and the London operating committee.

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Prior to his time at Guy Carpenter, Cook was with Aon for over 13 years, holding various senior positions, including head of EMEA in London and deputy CEO for the Nordic and Baltic Region. His early career also saw him in client management and as an intern equities analyst at Lazard Asset Management, along with a stint as a sports coach at The Cathedral Grammar School in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Upon joining Howden Re, Sebastian Cook expressed his excitement in joining the firm, praising its leadership as “some of the most proven and effective practitioners in the global reinsurance market.”

“Howden Re have an outstanding proposition and track record of delivery. It is a real privilege to be part of the team further enhancing these capabilities and delivering them to more regions across the world. Bringing the strength of the broader Howden group to our clients is also an exciting prospect. It is wonderful to be back in the market,” Cook said.

Cook’s new role began this month, and he will be working closely with Massimo Reina, CEO of Howden Re International, to drive the expansion and development of the company’s international operations.

 “Sebastian is a recognized leader and trusted partner in our industry,” Reina said. “I am delighted to welcome him to the team to support the continued growth and success of Howden Re’s International platform.”

“His entrepreneurial approach and vision is perfectly aligned with the core elements of our unique Howden culture. I am confident that our clients, colleagues, and markets will all benefit from his passion for creating a differentiated value proposition in the marketplace and creating a high-performance environment in which our colleagues thrive,” Reina said.

Cook’s addition comes on the heels of three more appointments for the recently rebranded reinsurance division, with Terrence McDowell, Melodie Vanderpuye, and Hannah Ferriday Lanner having been appointed to roles at the company.

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