Howden taps former WTW leader in European expansion push

International insurance broker  Howden has tapped a 30-year industry veteran who formerly held major positions at AIG and Willis Towers Watson as chief executive officer (CEO) of France. The company's goal is to become one of the top brokers in France with an extensive territorial presence and strong specialties.

After holding various leadership roles in the UK market, Nicolas Aubert (pictured) is returning to France to lead Howden's operations in a key market as it continues to expand its European business.

Aubert brings over 30 years of experience and was most recently at Willis Towers Watson as head of Great Britain and CEO of Willis. Prior to that, he held leadership roles at AIG, as COO EMEA and had been managing director of different geographies, including the UK, Southern Europe and France.

Howden has been building its European platform since 1994 and opened its first office on the continent in Spain in 1999. The appointment of Aubert as CEO, France follows the recent announcements of Holger Schaefer as CEO, Germany, Felix Jenny as CEO, Switzerland, Herman Kerremans as CEO, Belgium, Jeroen Everling, CEO, Netherlands Corporate and Luigi Sturani and Enrico Nanni as CEO and CCO, Europe, respectively.

Howden first opened an office in France in 2019 launching a warranty and indemnity business Howden M&A France. The team is made up of former M&A corporate and tax lawyers who advise clients across the entire spectrum of M&A insurance (assurances de Garantie d’Actif et de Passif (GAP), assurances de risques fiscaux, environnementaux, légaux, etc.). In 2021, the team saw growth of almost 45%, by policy count, acting on more than 30 transactions with an aggregate value exceeding €12 billion.

Additionally, Howden serves clients in France through Howden RE, its international reinsurance broker. Facultative reinsurance director Jean Fily will continue servicing cedants and captives as an integral part of Howden France’s wider offering.

Luigi Sturani, regional CEO of Howden Europe, said: “Nicolas’ appointment strengthens our existing European platform and brings choice to a market that is crying out for European-focused alternatives. Today’s announcement demonstrates Howden’s commitment to develop its network across Europe and specifically in France, one of the biggest broking markets on the continent.”

He added: “The first key step in expanding Howden France was to find a respected and credible leader in the market, and Nicolas was a natural fit because of his extensive experience in both the French and UK markets. He has a proven track record in managing high profile growth and transformation projects, strong managerial capabilities and industry knowledge that will be invaluable in overseeing the integration of future acquisitions in France.”

Aubert commented: “When deciding on what I wanted to do next, I knew I wanted to build a business. Joining Howden was an exciting opportunity as it is truly an entrepreneurial company, providing a great alternative for talent and for clients. Our operations in France will extend Howden’s existing capabilities to better serve clients, in France and all over the world.”

He continued: “We are eager to grow the business. Our goal is to become one of the top brokers in France with an extensive territorial presence and strong specialties. We will accomplish this by attracting the best entrepreneurial talent and like-minded companies, and by growing organically, supported by Howden’s existing regional platform.”

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