Simon McGinn from Allianz Joins DUAL as UK CEO

DUAL, the specialized underwriting division of Howden Group Holdings, has named Simon McGinn as the CEO of its UK business, pending regulatory approval. McGinn is scheduled to assume the role on January 1, 2024, and he will report to Richard Clapham, CEO of DUAL Group.

McGinn’s appointment is seen as a key step in driving ambitious plans to revamp DUAL’s UK operations. He joins DUAL from global insurer Allianz, where he held various roles over a span of 19 years, including his most recent position as CEO of Allianz Commercial, Allianz UK.

It’s worth noting that back in June, it was announced that McGinn would be stepping down from his position in July. He initially joined Allianz in 2004, starting as a trading director and later advancing to the role of director of commercial broker markets. In 2013, he joined the UK management board as the general manager for Commercial. In 2016, he was promoted to the role of general manager for Commercial and Personal businesses. Following a restructuring in 2021, he assumed the position of CEO of Allianz Commercial.

Richard Clapham commented on McGinn’s appointment, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Simon to DUAL. Attracting someone of Simon’s calibre to head our UK leadership team is a strong endorsement of the potential we have to grow our already significant UK business. Simon’s leadership skills and proven expertise make him the perfect person to lead our UK business going forward. He brings an exceptional knowledge of the UK insurance landscape, its evolving trends and the emerging opportunities they present. Simon’s vision will see us invest further in the people, technology, and data needed to provide our brokers and their clients with expertly tailored products combined with an exceptional digitally-enabled service.”

David Howden, CEO of Howden Group, added, “25 years ago, we launched DUAL in Spain, delivering high-quality underwriting for our capacity partners and regional distribution, innovative products, and service excellence for our local broker partners. Today, DUAL operates in 21 countries, underwriting over £2.5bn premium, including a significant London Market specialty underwriting operation. Under Simon’s leadership, we now have the opportunity to build regionally across the UK by attracting the very best talent to ensure we are delivering the quality underwriting results we are known for whilst growing the UK business to £1.5bn GWP. It is an exciting moment for DUAL.”

Simon McGinn shared his thoughts on the appointment, stating, “Naturally, I am excited to be joining one of the world’s leading MGAs. As client and broker expectations continue to change and the insurance sector continues to evolve, we’re seeing multiple opportunities created, and the need to respond quickly to clients’ needs has never been greater. DUAL has already proven itself to be a business with a strong sense of purpose and direction, and I am looking forward to working with the leadership team to continue the growth they have already seen in the UK. As we’re looking to expand the business, I am sure that DUAL’s people first and empowered culture, combined with its strong focus on underwriting excellence, will continue to attract capacity providers, brokers, and great people to the business.”

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