Howden appoints CEO for India

Howden appoints CEO for India | Insurance Business Asia

Insurance News

Howden appoints CEO for India

New CEO steps in as former CEO steps up to chairman post

Insurance News

By
Jonalyn Cueto

Global insurance group Howden has announced it has appointed Amit Agarwal to be the CEO for Howden India. In a press release, the company noted its aim to expand the capabilities of Howden India to become a leading broker in a fast-growing insurance market by 2026.

Agarwal succeeds former CEO Praveen Vashista, who will become the chairman of Howden India.

“Ever since we commenced operations in India in 2004, Praveen’s leadership has been constant and loyal. He has grown the business, recruited a talented team and helped to build a leading insurance broker in the country,” said David Howden, CEO of Howden Group. “[I] know that he will lend his invaluable expertise and guidance to support Howden’s ongoing success and expansion initiatives as chairman.”

Agarwal held vital leadership roles in the insurance sector throughout his career, including in JLT’s Financial Lines and Credit & Political Risk team, Marsh, and UIB. He joined Howden India in 2019 as a managing director and led its Liability & Specialty Risks practice.

“Amit’s appointment as CEO underscores our commitment to investing in top talent and local expertise to better serve our clients,” said Sonia Caamaño, CEO of International Growth Markets at Howden. “His vast knowledge of the Indian insurance market and strategic vision aligns perfectly with Howden’s global objectives and we know that we are primed for the next stage in Howden India’s growth story.”

“I would like to thank [Praveen] for establishing Howden’s strong foothold in the Indian insurance market. India presents a dynamic and ever-evolving insurance landscape, and our focus will be on driving growth, enhancing customer experience, and contributing positively to the development of [the] insurance industry in India,” Agarwal said. “Our employee owned business model is a critical differentiator in attracting the best talent from the market. It aligns the goals of our colleagues with that of the firm and drives them to deliver exceptional services to our clients.”

Howden India has been operating since 2004. It employs over 300 people in its offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune and Hyderabad.