HDI Global unveils leadership changes in Singapore and Australasia
Specialty lines insurer HDI Global SE has appointed Alex Tarantino (pictured left) as new managing director of HDI Global SE Singapore, as Graham Silton is set to retire at the end of June following over four decades in the insurance industry.
Andrew Cochrane (pictured right) will lead liability in Australasia following Tarantino's departure.
Silton joined HDI Global SE Australia in May 2015 and grew the property portfolio in Australia before being appointed as managing director for Singapore in 2017. HDI said Silton played a key role in transforming the reputation of its Singapore branch office and developing a strong following in the market place.
Tarantino, currently regional underwriting manager liability and cyber Asia Pacific, will continue in his current role until he moves to Singapore as managing director Singapore and Asia Pacific liability head from July 1, 2024. With over 20 years of international underwriting experience across the UK, Canada and Australia, Tarantino joined HDI Global SE in 2019. He will now be responsible for expanding HDI’s reach in the growth regions of Asia Pacific.
Cochrane, currently liability underwriting manager, Northern Region will become underwriting manager liability Australasia in the Sydney office from January 2024. Cochrane’s career began in London in 2002 as an international liability broker focused on Australia, Canada, Africa and Latin America business before moving to Australia in 2015 to pursue liability underwriting opportunities. In 2019, Cochrane joined HDI Global where he has been instrumental along with Tarantino in growing the liability book and establishing HDI in Australia.
David Hullin, board member of HDI Global responsible for the international markets, said: “We’re delighted to see this transition of strong leadership from Graham Silton who has built a dedicated team and business for our Singapore office, on to Alex Tarantino who we entrust to continue to grow our brand and become a leading corporate insurer in the region.”
Stefan Feldmann, head of HDI Global Asia Pacific and managing director HDI Global Australia, added: “Graham is an outstanding leader, who has made a significant contribution to our business first here in Australia and over the last seven years as a leader in Singapore expanding our HDI reach in the growth regions of the ASEAN. Graham’s dedication to our staff, brokers, customers and ensuring financial success for HDI has set a high standard for those who will follow in his footsteps. He will be missed by colleagues who all have the deepest appreciation for the value he added to so many individuals and our larger business.”
Feldmann continued: “Alex is a highly experienced underwriter with strong technical expertise in steering profitable portfolio growth. Since joining HDI in 2019, Alex has overseen our liability expansion nationally across Australia, while building a talented team to provide market leading solutions. In addition, he has already been providing oversight to the Asia Pacific region where he will continue to focus on strengthening the brand across all lines. With a global perspective, Alex has a keen understanding of the needs and drivers within local markets that will underpin our ambition to be a reliable partner in the transformation of our broker, ceding partners and clients in the Asia Pacific.
“Andy has been central to leading our success in New South Wales and supporting the development of the Queensland liability portfolio for HDI in Australia. In addition to his strong technical knowledge, Andy embodies our relationship approach to looking after our brokers with his own unique brand that as a culture we try to encourage and share with our partners and clients.”
Hullin added: “I am very pleased that we have been able to fill these important leadership roles with our highly capable internal talents. The depth of talent in our team means we will continue to provide specialist underwriting expertise, meaningful capacity and tailored solutions for large complex risk including our International Programme capabilities. I am very confident that we have experienced leaders in place to continue the successful work we have done in building a strong offering to our clients and brokers.”
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