Howden lands Big Four partner/chair to drive energy transition

International broker  Howden, which comprises Howden Broking and the underwriting business DUAL, has made a “crucial” hire – the UK chair of energy & natural resources at a Big Four accounting firm – to help identify how to mitigate and manage risks at a time when clients are increasing their investments into the energy transition by the billions.

The broker has hired Andy Cox (pictured) of KPMG as head of energy transition.

Based in London, Cox brings with him over 30 years of experience in the energy sector. He will support practitioners from across Howden as they advise clients and investors on de-risking the financing into energy transition projects, as well as guiding the development of new products.

Cox previously served as a partner at KPMG, his most recent position was UK chair of energy & natural Resources. He was responsible for KPMG’s advisory and consulting services across a range of oil and gas and power and utilities clients, where he oversaw KPMG’s key relationships in the sector and played a leading role in addressing the energy transition for some of its most prominent clients.

Cox also established KPMG’s global energy deal advisory team, supporting blue chip clients with strategy, origination, valuation, due diligence and execution through to integration and/or separation.

In addition to his role at Howden, Cox holds various positions including chief impact officer for Forward Institute and non-executive director to the energy & infrastructure team at Browne Jacobson.

David Howden, chief executive officer of Howden, said: “We are committed to the role insurance has to play not only in the here and now of climate change, in areas such as disaster relief and loss and damage, but also in helping to build a sustainable, equitable future by working collaboratively with clients and insurers to address the risks of tomorrow. To do this we must attract diverse talent into our group and the wider industry as we work to accelerate the insurance market’s role in the global energy transition. Andy’s appointment represents an important step for us as we support our clients on this journey.”

Charlie Langdale, head of climate risk and resilience, Howden, added: “Our clients are increasing their investments into the energy transition by the billions and it is crucial that we have expert talent to identify how to mitigate and manage the risk. Andy will be essential in the growth and expansion of our offering. Not only will he support product innovation, but he will ensure that the insurance market plays a part in the largest ever reallocation of capital in human history. Andy’s unique expertise and perspective will be key to helping our clients realise their growth opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable."

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