HDI Global has appointed Bob van Alphen as head of engineering underwriting, effective September 15.
In his new role, van Alphen will lead one of the insurer’s two regionally structured engineering underwriting teams, reporting to François Périquet, global head of engineering. Based at the company’s Hannover headquarters, he will oversee a team of six professionals responsible for strengthening HDI’s engineering underwriting proposition across key markets, including Germany, the UK, France, Spain, Portugal, and South Africa.
Van Alphen succeeds Ralph Kehrbaum, who will remain with the team and support a smooth transition through an extensive induction phase.
A specialist in engineering and construction risks, van Alphen began his career in 2014 with Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty as an underwriter in energy and construction, later holding several international roles. In 2022, he joined Everest Insurance, where he further developed expertise in global engineering and construction lines.
At HDI Global, he will be tasked with advancing the company’s global engineering strategy, with a particular focus on growth and market development in priority regions.
The appointment follows a series of leadership updates within HDI Global. In July, the insurer’s risk finance arm, HDI Enablers, added Nelson Castellanos as vice president global markets and Fabien Guilhot as insurance technics director. Castellanos is responsible for global partner relations and risk finance communication strategies, while Guilhot oversees compliance, policy wording, and coverage issues.
HDI Global also reported strong financial results for the first half of 2025. The insurer posted €5.1 billion in revenue, a combined ratio of 91.6%, and operating profit of €377 million, with return on equity rising to 17.4%. Growth was driven by new business and strong contributions from regional branches, particularly in the UK & Ireland, where property and accident & health lines saw notable expansion.
