Two insurance firms have announced senior underwriting and advisory hires this week, reflecting broader market trends in specialty construction lines and employer-sponsored health benefits.
HDI Global has strengthened its US engineering and marine platform, while Indianapolis-based Gregory & Appel Insurance has bolstered its employee benefits consulting practice.
Both appointments come as their respective markets face a combination of growing demand and increasing complexity.
HDI Global has appointed Dan Feige (pictured, left) as head of Engineering, Construction and Inland Marine Underwriting for its US operations.
Feige brings nearly three decades of experience across inland marine, ocean marine, equipment breakdown and construction lines. Most recently, he served as chief underwriting officer for Marine and Major Accounts at Liberty Mutual, where he carried profit and loss responsibility for a multi-million-dollar portfolio of marine and equipment breakdown business.
"With our international service capabilities, I look forward to collaborating with talented colleagues from across the globe, strengthening existing and building new client relationships, and leading new growth vectors in the years ahead," said Feige.
The appointment builds on HDI's recent investment in its US specialty platform. HDI Global established its US inland marine unit in late 2024, with plans to expand its reach to all 50 states by early 2025, concentrating initially on construction and transportation risks.
As of mid-2025, the US branch identified inland marine and surety among several key opportunities, alongside the development of a new US energy hub.
Indianapolis-based Gregory & Appel Insurance has appointed Matt Heincker (pictured, right) as employee benefits practice leader, bringing nearly 20 years of employee benefits brokerage and leadership experience in Central Indiana to the role.
Heincker is known for a finance-focused approach to employee benefits consulting, with particular expertise in self-funding, cost containment, alternative funding, risk mapping and plan optimization. He has advised mid-market and large employers across manufacturing and logistics, among other industries.
"Gregory & Appel has a strong foundation, a talented team and a clear commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience. I look forward to building on that momentum and helping employers approach benefits with more clarity and purpose," said Heincker.
The hire comes at a critical moment for employer-sponsored health programs. Total health benefit costs per employee are expected to rise 6.5% on average in 2026, the highest increase since 2010, even after accounting for planned cost-reduction measures. Employers estimated that plan costs would increase by nearly 9% if they took no action, according to Mercer's 2025 National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans.
Meanwhile, self-funded plans have continued to gain traction, with 67% of covered workers enrolled in self-funded arrangements in 2025. Among small firms, 37% of covered workers now participate in level-funded plans, which combine self-funding with stop-loss protection. Employers project a median 9% healthcare cost trend for 2026, driving many beyond incremental adjustments toward more significant changes in plan design, pharmacy management and vendor oversight.
