HDI Global USA appoints new CEO

HDI Global Insurance Company (HDI Global USA), an international industrial lines insurer and member of the Talanx Group, has appointed Jim Clark as its chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2020.

Clark, who is currently the company’s chief underwriting officer, will succeed long-time CEO and president, Dr. Lothar Becker, who will continue to serve as deputy chairman of HDI Global USA and chairman of the company’s excess and surplus lines subsidiary, HDI Specialty Insurance Company (HDI Specialty USA).

Clark, who has been with HDI Global USA since 2003 and has held a number of leadership positions within the company, brings more than 30 years of underwriting and technology experience within the financial services industry. Prior to joining HDI Global USA, Clark spent 12 years at the Kemper Group, where he handled all lines of business for international and domestic clients, including alternative risk and group captive business.

As CEO, he will be responsible for the continued growth of HDI Global USA and HDI Specialty USA, as well as the company’s growing operations across Canada and Mexico.

Brad Diericx, chief financial officer of HDI Global USA since 2014, will assume the role of president of the company. In his expanded role, Diericx will lead the company’s information technology, human resources and operations activities, while maintaining responsibility for the company’s finance function. Prior to joining HDI Global USA, Diericx held senior executive roles in merchant banking, consulting and public accounting over his 25-year career in the insurance space.

In his almost three decades with HDI, Becker has played a key role in expanding and cementing HDI’s presence throughout the North American region. He has led the development and implementation of numerous growth and technology strategies across the company, driving innovation and standardization at both domestic and international levels.

“We are pleased about the very well planned and executed leadership transition within our organization,” said Jens Wohlthat, chairman of HDI Global USA. “Lothar has transformed our initial US liaison office into a sound and very respected insurance carrier and developed our North American Region with growing entities in Canada and Mexico. We thank him for his three decades of leadership and dedication to our group and look forward to working with him in his new role.

“At the same time, we feel that Jim and Brad have the qualities necessary to lead HDI into its next phase of growth. They are very experienced insurance professionals, who not only understand the culture of our company, but are also highly motivated to continue the successful path of our North American operations. We wish all three gentlemen every success in their new roles.”

Get all the latest re/insurance industry news with our daily newsletter -  sign up here.

​ ​World Bank $225m cat bond transaction insures the Philippines against natural disaster

Swiss Re outlines plans for further growth in reinsurance

US P&C industry underwriting income up by 13 percent 

CAC Specialty forms specialty environmental risk and insurance group

Munich Re closes $200m oil & gas securitisation financing

Shipping industry likely to face increasing insurance costs in 2020

Global Aerospace appoints group general counsel

Apollo Syndicate Management continues actuarial build-out with senior hire

Iotatech appoints industry veteran to Strategic Advisory Council 

Verisk launches new home inspection customer collaboration tool 

Don't miss our insurtech email newsletter - sign up today