Two insurance firms have announced senior hires this week spanning specialty construction underwriting and employer-sponsored health benefits - markets that share a common thread 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. The hire builds on a deliberate platform investment: HDI Global established its US inland marine unit in late 2024 with plans to expand to all 50 states, concentrating initially on construction and transportation risks, and has since identified inland marine, surety and energy as key growth opportunities for its US branch.
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 substantial marine and equipment breakdown portfolio.
"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.
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 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.
Self-funded plans have continued to gain traction alongside that pressure, 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.
