Strong, innovative, and empowered to deliver

In only 25 years, Howden grew from just three people in a tiny London office to one of the biggest insurance brokers on the world stage. How did we do it? With a bold independent spirit, and a culture where everyone believes in four key principles.  

We are proud of our unique culture, where everyone is personally invested in their clients’ success. This energised, empowered working atmosphere attracts and retains the very best talent in the insurance industry. 

Howden

We have been providing comprehensive insurance and reinsurance solutions to our clients for almost 20 years, becoming part of Howden in 2020. 

In 2003, we opened our first office in Greece. Since then, Howden Hellas has grown into the leading independent broker in Greece, with more than 90 in-house experts in our Athens, Thessaloniki, Ioannina and Crete offices. 

In 2005 we launched Howden Hellas Cyprus, situated in the capital city Nicosia. Our Cyprus team, comprising 7 brokers and 3 actuaries, specialises in structured reinsurance solutions, actuarial services and analytics.  Howden Hellas Cyprus is one of the top 3 reinsurance brokers in the local market. 

In 2014, we established Howden Hellas South Africa to support our clients in Africa. Our South Africa team is based in Johannesburg, and comprises 14 insurance and actuarial professionals. 

Howden fast facts

• Founded in London, UK in 1994, we’re now the largest independent insurance broker headquartered outside the USA
• We’re a truly multinational business, with offices in 40 countries, and specialist advice from over 90 territories through our partner network
• Our founding commitment to independence gives our people the freedom to deliver for clients 
• You get all the benefits of working with a large global broker, combined with the speedy innovation and local know-how of a small independent
• We put People First: we value and look after our employees. We like to see people thrive.

Employee ownership at our heart

Around 800 of Howden employees are shareholders, with a plan in place to increase this number so our people benefit from the success of the business.  

While we are backed by patient, long-term investment capital, employees will always remain the largest shareholder group. 

This has a noticeable effect on the culture. 

At Howden, everyone has a voice. Ideas are embraced, effort gets rewarded and meritocracy is real. All in an environment where people enjoy their work and have fun. 

We foster an environment where people feel valued and cared for, and enjoy rising to every new challenge.

Empowered to serve you 

The experience we give our clients is everything to us. Our success comes from valuing every client and working to build relationships for the long term. 

This is only possible because of our employee ownership model and sustainable capital. No one is thinking short term. 

We can be completely client-focused because those who are closest to our clients make the decisions.  

We have a noticeably flat hierarchy for a global organisation of such size and scope, and most senior leaders still have hands-on involvement in placing risks.  

Wherever you do business, you’ll be supported by vast experience and deep-rooted local understanding. Our advice in local markets comes from people who live and breathe them.