Three leading insurers—QBE, Arch Insurance UK, and HDI Global—have unveiled senior leadership changes as they bolster operations across Europe and Africa.
QBE Appoints Henrik Larsen as General Manager for the Nordics
QBE has announced the appointment of Henrik Larsen as its new general manager for the Nordics, subject to regulatory approval. Larsen, who brings 19 years of experience in insurance broking, including 13 years in chief executive roles, is set to join the commercial insurer on June 23.
The appointment supports QBE’s strategy to strengthen its footprint in the Nordic region, particularly in Denmark and Sweden. Larsen will be based in Copenhagen, taking over from Maths Stanser, who recently transitioned to the role of head of distribution for QBE’s European markets.
Larsen was most recently CEO for Denmark and Finland at global insurance broker Marsh. His career began in banking before he helped launch the digital mail platform e-Boks. He entered the insurance industry in 2005 and was appointed CEO of Marsh Denmark in 2011, later expanding his leadership to include Finland in 2014.
Arch Insurance UK Promotes Mark McGrady to Liability Underwriting Manager
Arch Insurance UK has promoted Mark McGrady to the position of Liability Underwriting Manager within its regional division. In his new role, McGrady will oversee the product-led liability portfolio across the UK, with a focus on commercial package and standalone policies for complex and evolving risks, including consumer products, renewable energy, and emerging threats.
McGrady joined Arch in 2022 as a Senior Commercial Combined Underwriter and brings more than 15 years of industry experience. His previous roles include positions at Chapman and Stacey, LV=, and Aviva.
HDI Global Enhances African Operations with New General Manager Appointment
HDI Global SE has appointed Alexandrine Ajavon as General Manager, Global Network Africa. Based in Paris, Ajavon will be responsible for managing the company’s relationships with its network partners across the African continent, while also supporting multinational clients with operations in the region.
Ajavon has over 20 years of experience in multinational insurance programmes, having held senior roles at AIG, Marsh, and most recently Sanlam-Allianz. Her appointment underscores HDI Global’s commitment to expanding its international programme capabilities. The company currently manages approximately 5,300 international programmes worldwide.
