Howden Broking Launches New Zealand Operations

Howden, the international insurance broker, announces the launch of operations in New Zealand with Howden Broking and Howden Care — its local workplace claims management, rehabilitation and wellness business.

The launch reinforces Howden’s ambitious growth plans in the region since opening its doors in Australia in March 2021.

René Hattingh has been appointed CEO of Howden Broking, New Zealand, having joined from Donaldson Brown where she was a partner. Prior to this, she was head of FinPro New Zealand at Marsh. Hattingh brings a people and client first ethos, backed up by significant broking expertise and an entrepreneurial spirit, said Howden in a statement.

The New Zealand operation also is bolstered by the appointment of Cliff McCord as the CEO of Howden Care. Prior to joining Howden, McCord spent over 20 years at Wellnz – a workplace claims management, rehabilitation and wellness business – where he progressed from case management through to ultimately becoming the CEO. During his six years as CEO, Wellnz experienced extremely strong growth.

“The establishment of the Howden operations in New Zealand is another achievement in a very short time frame for our business in the region. Despite the current climate, Howden has gone from strength to strength in Australia, and we feel certain that our New Zealand team will deliver upon the same trajectory,” commented Howden Pacific CEO Matt Bacon.

Established in 1994 and headquartered in London, Howden Broking now employs more than 6,500 people worldwide. Together with network partners aligned to its specialty-led proposition, the company operates in more than 90 territories. Howden comprises owned businesses across Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

Source: Howden