What Are HDI Global SE’s Plans for Growth in DIFC?
HDI Global SE is expanding internationally and has received a regulatory license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority to open an office in Dubai. This new office in the Dubai International Financial Centre will help HDI Global bring its financial strength and expertise closer to clients in the Middle East.
The office will be led by Willem van Wyk, who has over three decades of experience in the global insurance industry, including senior roles in the Middle East. Willem is currently the Regional Market Manager for ASEAN and Australasia at HDI Global, where he has significantly contributed to profitable growth in the Asia Pacific region. Before joining HDI Global in 2020, he held senior positions at AGCS, Marsh, and Commercial Union, including being the CEO of AGCS in Dubai from 2016-2017.
Willem highlighted that the Middle East is becoming increasingly important in the global economy, and the DIFC offers great growth opportunities. HDI is excited to bring its A-rated capacity and strong underwriting team to support brokers and clients in the DIFC, helping them transition to the economy of the future.
David Hullin, a member of the HDI Global board of management, explained that the new Dubai office is part of HDI Global’s strategy for business development in the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. He emphasised that this move will bring HDI Global closer to the expanding market, strengthen relationships with brokers and clients, and provide solutions through a local team led by Willem.
Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, welcomed HDI Global to DIFC, which is the region’s largest financial centre. The DIFC has a strong ecosystem for the financial sector, with over 42,000 people and more than 100 registered insurers, reinsurers, and insurance-related entities.
HDI Global plans to start operations in DIFC in the third quarter of 2024, initially offering engineering, construction, and property insurance products. Riziq Ishaq will lead the property underwriting line, and John Morrell will lead construction and engineering. Riziq Ishaq has over 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, having worked with Allianz, Zurich, and IGI. John Morrell, currently an Underwriting Manager in HDI Global’s Australian branch, has a strong background in managing large-scale infrastructure projects.
As the business grows, HDI Global plans to offer additional lines of cover in Dubai. Willem emphasised that their goal is to offer innovative solutions, capital strength, stability, technical expertise, and reliable service to their clients and business partners, whether they operate internationally or solely in the Middle East.
