Nicolas Aubert was most recently CEO of Willis Towers Watson UK and is known as a D&I champion in the industry

Insurance broker Howden has appointed former Willis Towers Watson (WTW) GB CEO Nicolas Aubert as its chief executive of France.

Aubert has more than 30 years of industry experience - he most recently worked at WTW as head of Great Britain and Willis chief executive.

Prior to WTW, he held leadership roles at insurer AIG, including chief operations officer for Europe, Middle East and Africa and managing director of locations such as the UK, Southern Europe and France.

Luigi Sturani, regional chief executive of Howden Europe, said: “Nicolas’ appointment strengthens our existing European platform and brings choice to a market that is crying out for European-focused alternatives.

”[This] announcement demonstrates Howden’s commitment to develop its network across Europe and specifically in France, one of the biggest broking markets on the continent.”

Growth strategy

Sturani added that Aubert’s experience in both the French and UK insurance markets made him a “natural fit” for taking the lead in expanding Howden France.

He continued: “He has a proven track record in managing high profile growth and transformation projects, strong managerial capabilities and industry knowledge that will be invaluable in overseeing the integration of future acquisitions in France.”

Aubert added: “When deciding on what I wanted to do next, I knew I wanted to build a business. Joining Howden was an exciting opportunity as it is truly an entrepreneurial company, providing a great alternative for talent and for clients.

“We are eager to grow the business. Our goal is to become one of the top brokers in France with an extensive territorial presence and strong specialties.”

“We will accomplish this by attracting the best entrepreneurial talent and like-minded companies and by growing organically, supported by Howden’s existing regional platform.”

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