HDI Global names new managing director for Singapore branch

HDI Global names new managing director for Singapore branch | Insurance Business Asia

Insurance News

HDI Global names new managing director for Singapore branch

New underwriting manager liability for Australasia also announced

Insurance News

By
Kenneth Araullo

HDI Global SE has announced significant leadership changes with Alex Tarantino (pictured above) set to assume the role of managing director at HDI Global SE Singapore, succeeding Graham Silton, who will retire in mid-2024 after a four-decade career.

Additionally, Andrew Cochrane will take over the leadership of the liability division in Australasia following Tarantino’s new assignment.

Tarantino, currently serving as regional underwriting manager liability and cyber for Asia Pacific, will continue in this role until July 2024, when he will transition to his new position in Singapore.

Tarantino, who joined HDI Global SE in 2019, brings over two decades of international underwriting experience from the UK, Canada, and Australia. His move to Singapore is a strategic step for HDI, reflecting the company’s ambition to expand its presence in the Asia Pacific region.

“We’re delighted to see this transition of strong leadership from Graham Silton who has built a dedicated team and business for our Singapore office, on to Alex Tarantino who we entrust to continue to grow our brand and become a leading corporate insurer in the region,” said David Hullin, HDI Global international markets board member.

Cochrane, who currently holds the position of liability underwriting manager in the Northern Region, will become the underwriting manager liability Australasia based in Sydney starting January 2024. Cochrane’s career, which began in London in 2002, has seen him focus on international liability brokerage covering Australia, Canada, Africa, and Latin America.

Since moving to Australia in 2015 and joining HDI Global in 2019, Cochrane has played a crucial role in growing the liability segment and establishing HDI as a key player in the Australian market.

“Andy has been central to leading our success in New South Wales and supporting the development of the Queensland liability portfolio for HDI in Australia,” said Stefan Feldmann, HDI Global APAC head and HDI Global Australia managing director. “In addition to his strong technical knowledge, Andy embodies our relationship approach to looking after our brokers with his own unique brand that as a culture we try to encourage and share with our partners and clients.”

Silton, having joined HDI Global SE Australia in May 2015, significantly expanded the Australian property portfolio before his appointment as managing director for the Singapore office in 2017. Under Silton’s guidance, the Singapore branch has seen considerable growth and has positively impacted the overall performance of HDI Global. Silton’s retirement marks the end of a notable tenure in the industry, where he has been recognised for his expertise in property underwriting and leadership skills.

“Graham is an outstanding leader, who has made a significant contribution to our business first here in Australia and over the last seven years as a leader in Singapore expanding our HDI reach in the growth regions of the ASEAN,” Feldmann said. “Graham’s dedication to our staff, brokers, customers and ensuring financial success for HDI has set a high standard for those who will follow in his footsteps. He will be missed by colleagues who all have the deepest appreciation for the value he added to so many individuals and our larger business.”

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