Howden’s DUAL appoints new underwriting leaders to fuel growth in US market

DUAL North America, a part of Howden Group Holdings’ specialist underwriting arm DUAL Group, has appointed three industry veterans with AXA XL/Chubb/Swiss Re pedigree to leadership and key underwriting roles as it  continues to expand in the US market.

Jim Jinhong has been promoted to head of capacity and product development, D.J. Postles joined as executive vice president of underwriting for NBIS, and John Kopach joined as executive vice president of excess liability.

In his new position, Jinhong will strategically deploy partner capacity across the enterprise and develop new products to meet the evolving market demands. Before joining, he worked at NationsBuilders Insurance Services (NBIS), a member of DUAL North America, as EVP of underwriting & business development. During his tenure of 20 years, he drove programme diversification through organic growth.

Postles, with 22 years of experience in underwriting and leadership roles at large and mid-sized carriers in the North American Insurance market, including Chubb, Swiss Re, and Hiscox, will be leading the underwriting team at NBIS as the new EVP of underwriting. Based in Atlanta, GA, he will report to Bill Tepe, president of NBIS.

Kopach joins DUAL as part of its expansion of excess liability product in the East and Southeast, working directly with Mike Towell, president of excess liability. He brings over 20 years of experience, most recently serving as SVP of excess casualty, Southeast Region for AXA XL, and previously as SVP and VP for Swiss Re Financial Corporate Solutions and Everest National Insurance Company. Kopach is based in Atlanta, GA.

“As we continue to expand and the demands of the US market evolve, it is essential that we continue to offer exceptional service and products to our clients and partners,” said John Johnson, chief executive officer of DUAL. “I am thrilled about Jim’s promotion and wish both D.J. and John a very warm welcome to DUAL. Jim’s valuable experience within the company and wider industry will ensure our team is developing new products to support our partners’ continuously evolving needs. I am also confident that D.J. and John’s expertise and leadership skills will be instrumental in delivering innovative solutions for our partners and driving our business growth."

Tepe commented: “Jim has led NBIS through an impressive period of growth and diversity, building creative coverage lines and driving underwriting profit for our market partners. D.J. has a dynamic background of insurance leadership roles, he will have the opportunity to lead a diverse team of underwriters and drive best-in- class customer service to our clients.”

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