Howden nabs Willis Towers Watson leaders for top roles in Sweden

International insurance broker  Howden has shuffled the leadership of its Swedish business by bringing in a new chief executive officer (CEO) and executive director from Willis Towers Watson. Its incumbent CEO believes the “time is right” for a transition of leadership to drive the business forward.

Marie Gustafsson (pictured) will join Howden as CEO, Sweden and Kristoffer Haleen as an executive director on the board of Howden Sweden, to lead its business in the region, once their contractual obligations have been discharged.

Jesper Bretz, the incumbent CEO, will oversee the transition of the business before stepping down at the end of the financial year.

Gustafsson will join Howden from Willis Towers Watson, where she spent 14 years and most recently held the role of head of sales for large and complex business and lead relationship manager.  Previously, she was a senior marketing executive for the firm’s global Risk & Analysis team, and also spent six years with its global captive practice in Guernsey.  She started her insurance career in PPI insurance in a Swedish bank.

Haleen also comes from Willis Towers Watson, where he has held the roles of lead relationship manager and cyber practice leader since 2013.  Prior to this, he was with Zurich as a financial lines underwriter and has a background in law.

Howden continues to invest in its international distribution platform. Recent activity includes the acquisition of Italian firms Assiteca, Nord Est and ASI, and the appointment of Nicolas Aubert as CEO, France.

Bretz commented: “I have enjoyed many years at Howden, building the business with clients, colleagues and markets.  I’m proud of our accomplishments and the time is right for me now to hand over to Marie, who will build on our success and drive the business forward to the next phase of its growth.  I’m very pleased to welcome Marie and Kristoffer to the group, and look forward to working with them during the transition.”

José Manuel González, CEO, Howden Broking, said: “I would like to thank Jesper for his huge contribution and his loyalty to Howden’s Swedish business.  We wish him every success in his future ventures.”

Louise Cable-Alexander, CEO, North Europe, commented: “As we say goodbye to Jesper, we greet Marie and Kristoffer with great excitement.  Marie and Kristoffer will harness the entrepreneurial talent of our Swedish team as we continue to expand our international platform with a firm focus on empowerment and a People First approach.”

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