HDI UK & Ireland has appointed Tom Potter as director of liability, effective September 22, 2025.
In the new role, Potter will oversee the insurer’s liability underwriting strategy, with a focus on profitable growth and technical standards.
According to a news release, Potter joins from AXA XL, where he was global casualty underwriting manager for UK & Lloyd’s within the global chief underwriting office. He worked with regional portfolio leaders to assess the strategic direction and profitability of casualty underwriting in the UK and Lloyd’s market. Over the past 15 years, he has held underwriting positions spanning casualty, environmental, construction, and property.
“I’m thrilled to announce Tom’s appointment in one of our key underwriting lines,” said Stephanie Ogden, chief executive officer, HDI UK & Ireland. “We have ambitious targets for 2025 and beyond as we look to secure profitable growth across our liability portfolio. Tom will bring the fresh thinking, expertise, and the drive that we need to succeed as we continue navigating a dynamic market.”
“Technical underwriting excellence is crucial to achieve our ambitions to grow profitably in a changing market environment,” Mark Appleton, head of liability, HDI Global, said. “I am delighted to have Tom onboard to help deliver our strategic objectives in the UK and Ireland, both core regions for the wider HDI business as we further our goal of being a partner in transformation for our clients.”
The appointment comes after HDI Global SE reported strong financial results for the first half of 2025. The group’s insurance revenue rose to €5.1 billion in H1, up 8% year-on-year, while operating profit reached €377 million, reflecting a 24% increase from the same period in 2024.
In late 2024, HDI expanded its product offering: the firm scaled up its environmental liability cover on a global basis, incorporating social and governance coverage to meet growing ESG demands.
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