Three insurers have announced a series of senior leadership appointments.
Commercial insurer QBE has appointed Henrik Larsen (pictured above, left) as its general manager for the Nordics, pending regulatory approval. Larsen, who brings 19 years of insurance broking experience including 13 years as a chief executive, will join QBE on June 23.
The new appointment comes as QBE seeks to expand its market presence across Denmark and Sweden. Based in Copenhagen, Larsen will succeed Maths Stanser, who recently moved to become QBE’s head of distribution for European markets.
Larsen previously served as Denmark and Finland CEO at insurance brokerage Marsh. After beginning his career in banking, he helped launch digital mail platform e-Boks before joining the insurance sector in 2005. He became Denmark CEO at Marsh in 2011, adding Finland to his portfolio three years later.
“Henrik has a great track record in insurance; importantly, he also has an entrepreneurial perspective and a strong focus on people, on developing talent and creating a positive work environment,” said Beatriz Valenti, director of insurance, QBE Europe.
Arch Insurance UK regional division has promoted Mark McGrady (pictured above, right) to liability underwriting manager. McGrady will lead underwriting activities across the product-led liability portfolio for the UK regional business, focusing on commercial package and standalone policies for complex risks including consumer products, emerging risks, and renewable energy.
McGrady brings over 15 years of underwriting experience, having joined Arch in 2022 as a senior commercial combined underwriter. His previous roles included positions at Chapman and Stacey, LV=, and Aviva.
HDI Global SE has appointed Alexandrine Ajavon (pictured immediately above) as general manager, global network Africa. Based in Paris, she will manage relationships with HDI Global’s network partners across Africa while supporting multinational clients conducting business on the continent.
Ajavon brings 20 years of multinational insurance programme experience, having previously worked at AIG, Marsh, and Sanlam-Allianz. According to company statement, her appointment reflects HDI Global’s commitment to strengthening its international programme proposition, with the company leading approximately 5,300 such programmes globally.
“Countries on the African continent are often undergoing transformations, be it in political, economic, social or environmental terms,” Ajavon said. “In my role, I will make sure that HDI Global is able to support its clients expanding to Africa as a reliable partner in transformation.”
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