HDI Global makes board changes as McDonald exits

Industrial insurer HDI Global, owned by Talanx, has announced changes at board level, with Claire McDonald – head of HDI Global’s property, engineering and marine cargo underwriting and claims teams – leaving the company.

Dirk Höring, currently head of international programmes, will succeed McDonald on the executive board. He will be responsible for HDI Risk Consulting, as well as taking on McDonald’s role as CUO of the property, engineering and marine portfolios.

At the same time, Barbara Klimaszewski-Blettner, currently managing director for the group’s German business, will take a seat at the board, responsible for Germany and global claims management. HDI said elevating global claims management to board level will increase the division’s customer focus.

Both Klimaszewski-Blettner and Höring will join HDI Global’s board on 1 April 2024.

Torsten Leue, chairman of Talanx and supervisory board chair at HDI Global, said: “I would like to thank Claire for her contribution to HDI Global – under her watch we have seen good portfolio performance and international growth. I wish her all the best for the future.”

McDonald will continue as chair of London company body the International Underwriting Association (IUA), representing HDI Global until the end of the year, the company said.

Dr Edgar Puls, chair of HDI Global board of management, said: “It has been a great pleasure to work with Claire over the past five years. In addition to her successful leadership of the UK & Ireland branches, she has also, in her board role, actively supported the branches and made significant contributions to HDI Global’s strategy and culture.”