HDI Global unveils new US casualty structure and recruits Everest’s Wu

By Chris Munro

March 12 - (The Insurer) - HDI Global Insurance Company (HGIC) has introduced a new leadership structure for its U.S. casualty business and brought in Ed Wu from Everest in a move designed to strengthen its position across the retail and wholesale channels.

Wu has joined HGIC as vice president and U.S. casualty lead. His arrival comes after HGIC announced the hire of Thomas Long from Arch Insurance last year.

As HGIC CUO Marco Hensel explained, the company’s new U.S. casualty structure positions the business to better serve its clients and broker partners.

“Ed's extensive experience in both retail and wholesale markets, combined with Tom's proven expertise in admitted casualty, creates an exceptional leadership team that will drive our next phase of growth,” said Hensel.

Wu in his new role will oversee HGIC’s casualty underwriting, and reports to Hensel.

He brings almost three decades of commercial casualty experience to HGIC, and during his career he has worked in both the primary and excess markets.

According to HGIC, Wu’s background spans multiple industry sectors, including manufacturing, services, retail/wholesale trade and hospitality.

HGIC said Wu has particular strength in construction, E&S lines, national accounts and middle market business.

Wu, who is based in Las Vegas, Nevada, was at Everest for almost five years, latterly as head of E&S excess casualty. His career includes time at Sompo International and Arch.

As reported in October, Long’s career stretches over 35 years, and prior to joining HGIC last year he spent four years at Arch, serving the company as assistant vice president within its construction team.

He has also spent time at QBE North America, WR Berkley’s Berkley Risk Administrators, AIG and Kemper, among others.

Chicago, Illinois-based Long now reports to Wu.