Corporate and specialty insurer HDI Global (HDI) has appointed Shadi Albert as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of HDI Global US, effective July 13, 2026, in line with its new strategy Xcelerate29. HDI Global US CEO Jim Clark will resign effective immediately.
To ensure a smooth leadership transition, effective immediately, Dr. York von Falkenhayn will serve as interim CEO until July 13, in addition to his current responsibilities as Head of Market Management, US.
The move is aimed at strengthening customer centricity in the U.S. through a new organizational set-up, focusing on growth in regional markets and expanding HDI’s role as a commercial carrier in the region, the insurer explained. All appointments are subject to regulatory approval.
To meet the requirements of the Xcelerate29 strategy, HDI Global is restructuring its U.S. operations with the express goal of bringing underwriting, claims and servicing teams closer to brokers and clients.
Most recently, Albert served as President of Vela Insurance Services at WR Berkley Corporation. Prior to that, he served as President of Berkeley Luxury Group, where he drove transformational growth and operational performance.
In his new role, he will help HDI Global US further accelerate the execution of its growth strategy in the United States. Earlier in his career, Albert gained extensive experience across the insurance value chain, including senior roles at global brokerages Aon, Marsh and WTW, as well as executive leadership roles at US insurance companies.
Dr. York von Falkenhayn joined HDI Global in 2020 and currently serves as Head of U.S. Market Management. He played a key role in the development of Xcelerate29, with a strong focus on growth and operational excellence.
With Jim Clark leaving the company, the company thanks him for his contribution to the development of HDI’s US business.
Dr. Mukadder Erdönmez, Member of the Executive Board of HDI Global SE responsible for Responsibility, Automotive, Networks and US Markets, commented: “Jim has been with HDI for 23 years and has played a key role in the development of our US business. I would like to thank him for his contribution to building our business in the US and wish him all the best for the future.
“The United States is an important growth market for HDI Global and is central to our ambition to become a truly global and trusted transformation partner for clients and brokerage partners. We are now entering the next phase of growth, positioning HDI Global US as a commercial carrier to serve brokerage partners and clients more directly with tailored corporate and specialty insurance solutions. As part of this development, we are sharpening our strategic focus and aligning our leadership set-up.”
Dr. Erdönmez continued, “I am pleased to welcome Shadi as our new U.S. CEO. His strong track record with brokers and carriers gives him a deep understanding of the U.S. market. Under Shadi’s leadership, we will further strengthen our U.S. presence and create added value for our clients and broker partners. I am also pleased that York will serve as our interim CEO until Shadi takes over in mid-July.”
Albert said: “I am truly excited to take on this role and seize the opportunities ahead. The U.S. market has tremendous long-term potential and HDI Global US is well-positioned for future growth. I look forward to working with our team, clients and broker partners to build on this strong foundation.”
Dr. Edgar Puls, CEO of HDI Global SE, added: “The United States is a key market for our growth ambitions and at the heart of our Xcelerate29 strategy. With our new organizational set-up, we are strengthening our focus on customers and positioning our US operations as a relevant commercial vehicle for enterprise and professional solutions.
“I would like to thank Jim for his more than two decades of dedication and contributions to our U.S. business. At the same time, I am very pleased to welcome Shadi as our new U.S. CEO. I am confident that, together with our team, he will successfully lead HDI Global US into a new chapter of regulated growth and increased market relevance.”
HDI Global US consists of HDI Global Insurance Company, HDI Global Select Insurance Company and HDI Specialty Insurance Company.
