HDI Global names Willem Wyk to lead Middle East; Opens new office in DIFC

HDI Global has announced the appointment of Willem van Wyk as Senior Executive Officer and Managing Director to lead the company’s expansion efforts in the Middle East region. As part of its expansion strategy, the global insurance firm has also unveiled its new office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), following approvals from the DFS Authority.

Willem, who joined the company as Regional Head for ASEAN and Australia markets in 2020, brings over three decades of industry experience. He will be based in Dubai to oversee regional expansion. Prior to joining HDI Global, he served as Chief Executiwve Officer at Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty for 11 years, including overseeing the Dubai & EMEA region. He also worked with Marsh UAE and Commercial Union in South Africa, bringing a wealth of insurance industry experience to his new role.

Commenting on the news, Willem said, “The Middle East continues to become a more important player in the global economy. The DIFC is a dynamic marketplace that provides growth opportunities for HDI now and in the future. HDI is excited to bring A-rated capacity and a strong underwriting team to support brokers and clients in the DIFC. As a Partner in Transformation, we are confident that, with our global capabilities and technical expertise, HDI can support our clients in their transition to the economy of the future."

David Hullin, a member of the HDI Global board of management responsible for international business, also commented on the expansion news and Willem’s appointment: “The Dubai office of HDI Global is a logical progression of the industrial insurer’s successful business development in the Asia Pacific and Middle East region. As part of our global vision and APAC growth strategy, Dubai represents an exciting opportunity for us to move closer to this expanding market, strengthen our relationships with brokers and clients by providing solutions through a local team of underwriters led by Willem van Wyk, who has many years of experience in the market. HDI Global’s move demonstrates our successful business development and supports our global vision to be the Partner in Transformation for our clients. For brokers in the region, this means local access to a long-term, reliable partner with responsive claims, international programs, and risk consulting capabilities for their clients. I wish Willem and the entire team in Dubai every success."

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Welcoming HDI to Dubai, Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said, “We welcome HDI Global to DIFC. As the region’s largest financial centre with over 42,000 people, DIFC continues to enhance its ecosystem for the sector. With its 20-year track record of servicing people and businesses in the region, the Centre is home to the largest cluster of over 100 registered insurers, reinsurers, captives, and insurance-related entities who are using our platform to achieve their growth ambitions. Our world-class laws and regulations enable these companies to operate confidently in the jurisdiction, capture new growth opportunities, and collectively contribute to driving the future of finance.”