Several significant leadership appointments have been announced across the insurance and risk management sectors, with HDI Global, Gallagher Bassett, and Towergate Employee Benefits strengthening their executive teams.
HDI Global Announces Leadership Changes in Liability Division
HDI Global has revealed several senior leadership changes within its liability division, effective November 1.
Dennis Siebrasse has been appointed Head of Liability Underwriting Europe, where he will oversee underwriting activities across the company’s core European markets. Siebrasse previously served as Head of Technical & Strategic Services – Long Tail, reporting to Dr Mukadder Erdönmez, executive board member responsible for liability, cyber, and motor lines.
Succeeding Siebrasse in his former role is Dr Pascal Nef, who brings more than ten years of insurance analytics experience. Prior to joining HDI Global, Nef led Swiss Re’s Risk Consulting & Analytics team for the EMEA region, with a focus on profitability strategies, growth support, and underwriting best practices for corporate and commercial insurers.
Since March, Mark Appleton has served as interim lead for HDI Global’s local liability units, contributing to the continued development of the company’s liability portfolio.
Additionally, the firm recently appointed Dr Christian Wegener (pictured above) as Head of Investment Management, succeeding Thorsten Wölbern. Wegener reports to CFO Dr Stefan Pasternak and will oversee investment strategy and operations within the finance department.
Gallagher Bassett UK Names Sarah Penny as Client Services Director
Gallagher Bassett has appointed Sarah Penny as Client Services Director for its UK operations. Reporting to Chief Operating Officer John Fearn, Penny will lead corporate and carrier client relationships, while also working closely with the business development team to optimise onboarding processes and enhance client service delivery.
Penny brings 15 years of industry experience, having held roles at Previsico, Liberty Specialty Markets, Pen Underwriting, Ecclesiastical, and Allianz Insurance. Starting her career as a claims handler, she has since progressed into senior positions focused on relationship management, business development, and strategic partnerships.
She will collaborate with Charlotte Harrison and Stephen Bevan, recently promoted to Head of Carrier and Market Relationships and Head of Corporate Relationships and Client Analytics, respectively. The appointment follows Gallagher Bassett’s April announcement of Mark Garnham as Director of First Response and Managed Repair.
Towergate Employee Benefits Expands Global Consultancy Team
Towergate Employee Benefits has strengthened its international consultancy offering with the appointment of Roberto Russo as Principal Consultant, Global Benefits Management.
Reporting to Sarah Dennis, Head of International, Russo will focus on client relationship management, business development, and internal team mentorship. He brings nine years of experience from Generali Employee Benefits and the MAXIS Global Benefits Network, advising multinational clients on global benefits strategies and financing solutions, including pooling, global underwriting programmes, and captive arrangements.
Russo will also play a key role in supporting the team’s growth initiatives across the international client base.
