Unified strength: HDI Canada prioritises client-centric excellence

The recent integration of HDI Global and HDI Global Specialty as one under HDI marks a significant milestone in the insurer's journey towards elevating its position in the market and enhancing its already excellent service standards. Through a blend of shared vision, strategic alignment, and a commitment to client-centricity, HDI Canada is poised to unleash the full potential of its combined strengths.

As the divisions stand united as one cohesive unit, both Managing Directors emphasise alignment as a cornerstone of their strategy. Historically, each division could be compared to a single risk underwriting company, which tended to have highly specialised underwriters that would focus on their own product line. The insurer is currently working on fostering that collaboration across various lines of business (LoB), product offerings and internal roles by identifying synergies and cross-selling opportunities.

"We are still evolving, but our goal is to become so seamless to the broker that it wouldn't matter to them which entity they're trading with. Irrespective of the entity, we want to ensure that everything runs smoothly for our clients, be it in terms of accounting in the back end or shepherding a client's submission through to the right underwriter," explains Derek Spafford, who heads the Specialty division. Currently, both divisions are exploring ways to enhance each other's offerings. 

With the continued focus on improving alignment, the insurer recently created the position of Head of Sales & Distribution held by Michelle Mahabir. "This role focuses on making sure that brokers and clients truly understand the risk appetites as well as the product lines of each division. Plus, we hold mutual client events and market trips which have been incredibly beneficial in helping brokers understand the roles and responsibilities of the commercial versus specialty sides," adds Klaus Navarrete.

While the company is relatively new in Canada, its history as an industrial insurer dates back over 120 years. "We have a lot of capabilities that have been around for a long time," Klaus Navarrete emphasises. This experience and expertise goes hand in hand with another core element of HDI Canada's value proposition: the extensive global network. "We will of course continue to write the core LoBs, but we can offer our clients support in the international arena. Not that many insurers in Canada have that capability. Plus, since we've been in the Canadian market now for over a decade, a natural part of our growth journey is to eventually expand geographically to additional regions. That gives us boots on the ground across the country, the continent and the globe." As a result, the insurer is in a prime position to have meaningful discussions with risk managers and to service large accounts with complex risks.

Beyond the realm of products and services, it is the culture of HDI Canada that sets it apart. "While it's a fun and relaxed environment, we also support our employees in their growth journey and give them opportunities to step up, learn and be empowered to take decisions," observes Derek. 

By nurturing a culture of innovation and collaboration, HDI Canada is not only attracting top talent but also fostering a sense of responsibility and purpose among its employees. "We have a very strong entrepreneurial culture that has always been present in both divisions. Empowering our employees gives people an opportunity to build a legacy and have a purpose when they go to work. That is very enticing for those people who would like to unleash it," remarks Klaus Navarrete. "As we are bringing the divisions closer together, we are increasingly becoming stronger. One of these strengths is that we are highly responsive – and the market recognises that. Our underwriters are empowered and have meaningful authorities. We're a great company to partner with."