Howden names former XL exec to its board of directors

Howden Group Holdings has appointed a former XL Catlin executive as non-executive director on its board.

Kelly Lyles brings over 35 years of industry experience to the board, having started her career with AIG in New York before moving to London and Paris. From there she moved to XL Catlin where she joined the group leadership team, managing its global presence throughout XL’s merger with AXA.

David Howden, Howden Group’s chief executive officer, said attracting talented individuals with different perspectives has always been a key to the company’s success. “Kelly’s wealth of experience in running global teams at some of the world’s largest insurers will be an asset as we continue to grow our business whilst retaining our culture and agility,” he said.

Dominic Collins, Howden Group chairman, said: “Since the beginning of 2015 the efforts of our colleagues and the support of our external investors have resulted in our enterprise value increasing by seven times, whilst our EBITDA has increased by five times. During the same period our share price has quadrupled and, very encouragingly, we now have five times as many employee shareholders. To maintain this level of success as we continue to build our business requires an even greater breadth and depth of expertise and advice.”

Lyles said she was attracted to Howden by the authenticity of its leadership and culture. “Maintaining its nimbleness and people-first approach as it continues to grow will be no easy task but I’m convinced it is a business that can achieve anything it sets its mind to,” she said. “This is a passionate group of entrepreneurs on an impressive journey to build a better kind of business.”

Howden Group now has more than 8,500 people in over 45 territories and handles over $11 billion premium on behalf of clients.