Commercial and specialty lines insurer HDI Global has launched its new strategy “Xcelerate29” for 2026 to 2029, aiming to selectively expand internationally and drive excellence in its core business.
The insurer will focus on expanding its specialty business in North America (NA), Southeast Asia and the Middle East, while further strengthening its corporate and specialty lines.
Dr. Edgar Puls, CEO of HDI Global, commented: “As the world’s largest insurance market, the United States is a core lever for our growth.
“In addition to expanding our presence in the region, we intend to strengthen our global position in specialized areas, such as aviation, crisis management, guarantees and credit insurance.”
At the same time, insurers will coordinate underwriting and claims standards, supported by data and process specifications, to ensure high quality, reliability and sustainable performance.
Puls noted: “The underwriting excellence framework we have established sets clear guardrails for technical quality in all market stages. This technical excellence and our consistent underwriting discipline are the foundation for long-term support of clients as a transformation partner.”
HDI Global highlights that it is continuously advancing claims management with a focus on claims expertise, smart processes and data-driven solutions. As part of its investment excellence program, the insurer will continue to develop its investment function in three core areas: strategic asset allocation, investment operations and investment governance.
“This enables us to further optimize our risk-return profile, enhance our long-term financial performance and underline our commitment to excellence across our entire value chain,” Pulse added.
In addition, the name of the strategic plan is derived from the combination of “excellence” and “acceleration,” and one of the insurance company’s other goals is to establish itself as one of the top employers in the financial services industry.
“Success is driven by people. Only by systematically empowering our employees can we achieve our ambitious goals. That’s why we invest in development, modern working conditions, international career paths and a culture that encourages and recognizes innovation and performance,” said Purse.
The targeted use of artificial intelligence (AI) aims to further enhance the organization’s underwriting and claims processes, which are being optimized across the entire value chain – from AI-powered risk analysis and automated document processing to intelligent models that enable faster first loss notification.
“We are currently implementing multiple AI-powered processes in underwriting and claims. They free up employees for higher-value tasks, speed up processes, and improve consistency in decision-making. The final decision remains in human hands, following the motto: People First, Powered by AI,” Puls emphasized.
In 2024, the insurance company’s insurance revenue exceeded the 10 billion euro mark for the first time, and its profits increased significantly. The profit before interest and taxes increased by 57% year-on-year, and the combined ratio reached 90%.
Puls said: “This provides strong momentum for our next step as a globally capable and financially reliable partner into 2029. In recent years, we have strengthened our position as a leading global business and specialty insurer through expertise across the value chain, reliable services and partnership-based cooperation with our customers.
“With Xcelerate29, we are taking our ambition to the next level. We embed innovation into our core processes and selectively invest in regions and product lines that create the greatest added value for clients, brokers and investors.”
He continued: “Our aim is to understand the individual needs of our clients and brokers, develop individual solutions and provide tangible added value. Not least due to our cross-border expertise, we are one of the five largest providers of managed international projects in the world. As part of the new strategy, we will further strengthen this position.”
