HDI Global SE continues its international expansion receiving a regulatory license from Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to open an office in Dubai. The new local presence in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) will allow HDI Global to bring its global financial strength and technical expertise closer to clients in the Middle East. The new Dubai office Managing Director, Willem van Wyk, brings over three decades of global insurance industry experience including senior leadership roles in the Middle East market and beyond.
Currently the Regional Market Manager, ASEAN and Australasia, Willem van Wyk has contributed to the significant profitable growth in the Asia Pacific portfolio working closely with teams in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong branch offices since joining HDI Global in 2020. “The Middle East continues to become a more important player in the global economy. The DIFC is a dynamic marketplace that provides growth opportunities for HDI now and in the future,” says Williem. “HDI is excited to bring A-rated capacity and a strong underwriting team to support brokers and clients in the DIFC. As a Partner in Transformation we are confident with our global capabilities and technical expertise that HDI can support our clients in their transition to the economy of the future.”
The Dubai office is part of a logical progression of the industrial insurer’s successful business development in the Asia Pacific and Middle East region. Riziq Ishaq has been appointed to lead the property underwriting line while John Morrell will lead construction and engineering. David Hullin, Member of the HDI Global Board of Management with responsibility for the international business, said, “As part of the overall global vision and APAC growth strategy, Dubai is an exciting opportunity for us to move closer to this expanding market, strengthen our relationships with brokers and clients by providing solutions through a local team of underwriters, led by Willem van Wyk who has many years of experience in the market.”
He further added, “HDI Global’s move demonstrates our successful business development and supports our global vision to be the Partner in Transformation for our clients. Brokers in the region will have local access to a long-term reliable partner with responsive claims, international programmes, and risk consulting capabilities for their clients.”
The company plans to commence operations from DIFC in the third quarter of 2024 and will initially offer engineering, construction and property insurance products.
