HDI Global US appoints Shadi Albert as chief executive officer with effect from 13 July, as part of a wider reorganisation of its US operations under parent HDI Global.
Jim Clark, chief executive officer of HDI Global US, steps down with immediate effect. York von Falkenhayn, head of market management USA, takes on the role of interim chief executive officer until Albert assumes the position in mid-July. All appointments are subject to regulatory approval.
The changes form part of HDI Global's Xcelerate29 group strategy, which targets growth in the US market and aims to bring underwriting, claims and service teams closer to brokers and clients. HDI describes the realignment as strengthening client focus and positioning its US business as a commercial carrier for corporate and specialty solutions.
Albert joins from W. R. Berkley Corporation, where roles included president of Vela Insurance Services and, earlier, president of Berkley Luxury Group. His career spans senior positions at brokers Aon, Marsh and WTW, alongside executive roles at US-based insurers. Von Falkenhayn has been with HDI Global since 2020 and has contributed to the development of Xcelerate29.
Mukadder Erdönmez, member of the HDI Global SE executive board responsible for liability, motor, cyber and the US market, says: "The US is a critical growth market for HDI Global and central to our ambition to be a truly global and trusted Partner in Transformation for our clients and broker partners. We are now entering the next phase of growth, positioning HDI Global US as a commercial carrier that serves broker partners and clients more directly with tailored corporate and specialty insurance solutions."
Erdönmez adds: "I am pleased to welcome Shadi as our new US CEO. His strong track record across both broker and carrier roles gives him a deep understanding of the US market."
Albert says: "I am truly excited to take on this role and the opportunities ahead. The US market offers significant long-term potential, and HDI Global US is well positioned for future growth. I look forward to working with our teams, clients and broker partners to build on this strong foundation."
HDI Global US comprises HDI Global Insurance Company, HDI Global Select Insurance Company and HDI Specialty Insurance Company. HDI Global represents the corporate and specialty division of the Talanx Group, which Standard & Poor's rates AA-/stable and AM Best rates A+/stable.
