HDI Global Specialty to Launch Australia General Aviation Team, Led by QBE’s Bowes

HDI Global Specialty SE – Australia, the new specialty lines insurer, has recruited Jamie Bowes as head of Aviation as a first step to developing a general aviation footprint in the Asia Pacific markets.

Bowes, a 20-year veteran in insurance specializing in aviation, joins HDI Global Specialty SE – Australia from QBE, where he was international aviation manager since 2009. He will oversee the creation of the new aviation team which will be based in Melbourne. It is expected that the team will grow over time with an expanding portfolio.

“We are extremely pleased that we could get Jamie to head up our new aviation venture,” said Mark Fleiser, head of branch for HDI Global Specialty SE – Australia. “He has an excellent background in this market, and we look forward to leveraging his market knowledge and connections. We hope to launch our offering as soon as possible.”

HDI Global Specialty SE launched at the beginning of the year, with the stated strategic aim of combining organic growth with acquisitions of specialty teams and portfolios of high-margin business.

“When looking at how we could expand and build on our successful General Aviation operations in Europe, Australia was quickly identified as an area where we as a company saw great potential,” said Mats Westerborn, managing director for HDI Global Specialty SE, Scandinavian Branch, the main hub for aviation in the group.

“We identified the need to have an active presence in local aviation markets and it was therefore important for us to establish a team on the ground in Australia,” added Westerborn.

“By setting up a new team for general aviation in Australia, HDI Global Specialty SE takes another step to maximize the opportunities that exist within specialty lines,” said Ralph Beutter, CEO of HDI Global Specialty SE. “Getting such a highly regarded market leader as Jamie Bowes on board gives me comfort that Melbourne will be another successful hub in our aviation line of business.”

HDI Global Specialty SE operates from six of its own offices and throughout the HDI Global SE network in 150 countries. Aviation is currently written from its Stockholm, London and Cologne offices.

Source: HDI Global Specialty SE