Swiss Re exec with Zurich/AIG pedigree secures key role at HDI Canada

Industrial lines insurer  HDI Global has tapped a senior Swiss Re executive with Zurich and AIG pedigree for a key market-facing role in Canada to support its growth ambitions in the country.

Michelle Mahabir (pictured) has been appointed to a newly created position of head of sales distribution and marketing in Canada. The move is in line with its strategy to improve its services for brokers and clients in Canada.

Mahabir brings more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry to HDI Global. She joins the company from Swiss Re Corporate Solutions after previously holding leading roles at Zurich and AIG, in each case with a focus on customer management across Canada and the US.

At HDI Global, Mahabir will serve as a face to the market for brokers and clients while also overseeing and developing the strategic broker relationship management. She will report directly to Klaus Navarrete, managing director HDI Global Canada.

Navarrete said: “I am excited for our company and the market. The newly created role demonstrates the importance we place on our business relationships. Broker expectations in Canada are high, and so are our service standards. We already have the reputation of being a fast and reliable partner. That said, we want to keep on growing and improving. With this in mind, I am delighted to welcome such a proven industry expert in Michelle. She will drive our consistent proposition to the market as we keep putting our partners at the heart of our decisions.”

Mahabir commented: “Having worked in the industry for quite some time I was aware of HDI’s strong reputation terms of client centricity and responsiveness. The opportunity now to become part of a strategic growth focus on brokers and partners was just as much a draw for me as HDI Global’s strong global footprint. I believe the market is yet to recognise our exceptional global network capabilities. We are active in more than 175 countries and thus able to offer Canadian companies compliant policies wherever they conduct their business. One of my first endeavours will be to inform the broker community accordingly. Overall, as part of a remarkable team, I am excited to strengthen our existing partnerships in Canada – as well as foster and grow new ones.”

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