Howden has announced the appointment of Patrick De Baets as Chief Executive Officer of Howden Belgium, effective immediately.
De Baets joins the firm from Foyer Assurances, where he led Belgian operations. He brings over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, having previously held senior leadership positions including CEO of Touring Assurances (part of the AXA Group) and CEO of BNP Paribas Cardif Belgium. His extensive background spans both Belgian and broader European markets, with a focus on executive-level leadership.
Howden entered the Belgian market in 2020 and has since grown through a blend of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Today, its Belgian operation serves a wide range of corporate and individual clients through a growing team and broker network.
A significant step in its Belgian expansion came with the acquisition of WDR Insurance Group in October 2023. WDR, which operates from offices in Drogenbos, Aalst, and Antwerp, specialises in property and casualty insurance as well as employee benefits. The deal boosted Howden Belgium’s workforce to more than 60 and helped drive annual revenues past €10 million, with gross written premiums exceeding €100 million.
At the same time, Howden extended its footprint into Luxembourg through the acquisition of a portfolio from United Brokers S.A. This transaction marked the firm’s entry into Luxembourg City and reinforced its cross-border capabilities within the Benelux region.
Howden’s first Belgian acquisition came in 2021 with the purchase of Brussels-based Sarton & Associés. This early move enabled the company to diversify its local offering across property, casualty, and employee benefits, with a strong focus on serving corporate and SME clients.
The expansion in Belgium and Luxembourg reflects Howden’s wider European growth strategy. For the fiscal year ending September 2024, the Howden Group reported revenue of £3.01 billion—a 23% year-on-year increase—driven by a 28% rise in reinsurance and a 14% increase in insurance broking.
Globally, Howden now operates in 55 countries and employs 20,000 people. During the reporting period, the company completed 65 acquisitions worldwide, including 28 across Europe, underscoring its continued focus on strategic, international growth.
