HDI Global Establishes New Office In Dubai To Strengthen Middle East Business

HDI Global SE has secured a regulatory license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) to establish an office in Dubai. This new office, located in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), aims to leverage HDI Global's financial strength and technical expertise for clients in the Middle East. Willem van Wyk, with over 30 years of experience in the global insurance industry, will manage the new office.

Van Wyk has been instrumental in driving profitable growth in the Asia Pacific portfolio since joining HDI Global in 2020. He has worked closely with teams in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Before his tenure at HDI Global, he held senior roles at AGCS, Marsh, and Commercial Union, including serving as CEO of AGCS in Dubai from 2016-17.

Initially, HDI Global's Dubai office will offer engineering, construction, and property insurance products starting from the third quarter of 2024. Riziq Ishaq will lead the property underwriting line, while John Morrell will oversee construction and engineering. Ishaq brings over two decades of experience from companies like Allianz and Zurich.

Morrell joined HDI Global in 2017 after a career in engineering. He has managed large-scale infrastructure projects and understands technical requirements deeply. The Dubai office plans to expand its offerings to include additional lines of cover as the business grows.

The move to DIFC aligns with HDI Global's broader strategy for growth in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. David Hullin, a member of HDI Global's board of management responsible for international business, stated that this expansion is part of their global vision. "Dubai is an exciting opportunity for us to move closer to this expanding market," he said.

Hullin added that brokers in the region would benefit from local access to a reliable partner offering responsive claims services and risk consulting capabilities. "For brokers in the region, they will have local access to a long-term reliable partner with responsive claims," he noted.

Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, welcomed HDI Global to DIFC. He highlighted that DIFC is home to over 100 registered insurers and related entities. "Our world-class laws and regulations enable these companies to confidently operate," Amiri remarked. The Centre continues to enhance its ecosystem for financial services.

"The Middle East continues to become a more important player in the global economy," said van Wyk about HDI Global's move to Dubai. "HDI is excited to bring A-rated capacity and a strong underwriting team." He emphasized that HDI can support clients' transitions to future economies through their global capabilities.

Willem van Wyk's extensive experience includes senior leadership roles across various markets. His previous roles have equipped him with valuable insights into both regional and international insurance landscapes. Van Wyk lived in the Middle East from 2001-05, further deepening his understanding of this market.

"Our clear goal will be to offer our clients innovative solutions," van Wyk stated. He highlighted that HDI aims to provide capital strength, stability, technical expertise, and reliable service whether clients operate internationally or solely within the Middle East.

The appointment of experienced underwriters like Riziq Ishaq and John Morrell underscores HDI Global’s commitment to delivering specialised insurance solutions tailored for the region’s needs. Their combined expertise ensures robust portfolio steering and risk management capabilities.