Howden Re, the reinsurance arm of Howden Brokerage Group, has expanded and strengthened its presence in Europe with the opening of a new office in Ireland.
The broker believes the move will enhance its ability to support clients in one of the region’s most important and rapidly growing insurance markets. It also aims to bring clients closer to Howden Re’s data-led reinsurance, analytics and capital advisory capabilities, delivered by local teams with deep market understanding.
David Carpenter has been appointed Director of Howden Re Ireland. Based in Dublin, he will lead Howden Re’s expansion into the country, building a local team to deliver innovative reinsurance solutions to Irish insurers, MGAs and captives.
He has over twenty years’ experience in reinsurance and broking in Dublin, London and international markets. Most recently, he was with brokerage McGill and Partners and has held client and brokerage roles throughout his career.
Howden Re said Ireland had become an increasingly important international insurance centre. It has a strong domestic market and is the fourth largest insurance market in the EU, with annual premiums exceeding €100 billion.
Its robust regulatory environment makes it a “natural bridge between the EU and the United States.” As international insurers increasingly move their underwriting and reinsurance functions to Ireland, the country is also rapidly becoming a strategic center for global risk capital.
Sebastian Cook, Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Howden Re International, commented: “Ireland’s role in the European reinsurance landscape is growing rapidly. By establishing a presence on the ground, Howden Re is building on the extensive work of our retail colleagues who have built a trusted and recognized brand across Ireland. Together we will bring clients closer to the insight, capabilities and capital they need, serviced by a team that understands the market and its direction.”
Matthew Westerman, managing director of Howden Re International UK and Ireland, said: “Ireland is an important market for our clients, particularly in the domestic insurance sector, but also for global clients with complementary Irish portfolios and the MGA and captive segments where demand for specialist reinsurance continues to grow. By investing locally, we give clients easier access to world-class analytical, broking and advisory support.
“David’s appointment underscores this ambition. He brings exceptional technical knowledge, a deep understanding of how to align capital with client objectives, and extensive local experience of the Irish market and its changing regulatory and capital environment. By investing locally, we combine our local presence with global expertise to continue to serve our clients where they need them.”
Carpenter added: “Our focus is on delivering clear, practical reinsurance advice that helps clients connect capital to risk more effectively. Domestic and international insurers, MGAs and captives operating in this market deserve locally based reinsurance advice, backed by the best analytics and brokerage expertise in the market. I am delighted to join this dedicated team as we build our reinsurance business in the Irish market.”
Mark Nolan, CEO of Howden Ireland, said: “The Irish insurance market continues to grow in depth and complexity and the establishment of Howden Re here reflects our confidence in its long-term potential. Our clients deserve localized reinsurance expertise, backed by Howden Re’s analytical strength and global reach. David’s appointment is a significant step forward and I look forward to seeing what this team will build.”
