Howden increases investment in the UAE, partnering with leading Abu Dhabi broker, Guardian

On December 17 2019, Howden announced a partnership with Guardian Insurance Brokers LLC one of the leading and longest established insurance brokers in Abu Dhabi.

This partnership strengthens Howden’s position in the Turkey, Middle East and Africa (TMEA) region. Guardian shareholders Sheikh Tahnoon Bin Saeed Al Nahyan and Fawaz Moukayed will remain invested in the business, with Moukayed serving as Chairman of the Abu Dhabi operation. Rasha Moukayed will continue to run the day-to-day operations as Managing Director.

José Manuel González, CEO, Howden Broking Group said: “We have a clear strategy of making selective partnerships that complement our strategy and culture, and this excellent collaboration once again delivers on this. We’re committed to investment in TMEA to better deliver for our clients.”

Atinc Yilmaz, Regional CEO, Howden TMEA added: “We’re delighted that the Guardian team has chosen to join Howden. Their market-leading reputation, strong client focus, and deep expertise, combined with Howden’s international reach, will create a compelling proposition in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE market.”

Fawaz Moukayed, CEO and Founder of Guardian, commented: “We’re delighted to join Howden at this exciting time in its evolution in the region. Our growth ambitions are fully aligned, making this a great opportunity for our clients and employees, who will have access to the talent and resources of one of the world’s largest independent brokers, with a truly international focus.”

Howden established its first presence in the UAE with an office in Dubai in 2008 and an office in Abu Dhabi in 2017. Since then, Howden TMEA has seen transformative growth, acquiring a majority stake in broker ACP in Turkey, completing the majority acquisition of New Generation Insurance Services Company LLC in Oman, and partnering with BR Puri & Company Limited, in Tanzania. Together with Howden’s international network of partner brokers, the group’s TMEA region now encompasses 17 territories.

(First published on Howdengroup.com on December 17 2019)