Howden appoints Chris Hughes as CEO of New Zealand and Nigel Wallace steps up to take Chair role, as expansion continues in the Pacific region

Howden appoints Chris Hughes as CEO of New Zealand and Nigel Wallace steps up to take Chair role, as expansion continues in the Pacific region

Auckland, New Zealand, 19 August 2025: Howden, the global insurance intermediary group, announces today the appointment of Chris Hughes as Chief Executive Officer, of the Howden broking business in New Zealand. He will report directly to Matt Bacon, CEO Howden Pacific. Chris will join Howden in November after fulfilling obligations to his current employer. 

Chris Hughes is a seasoned insurance executive, bringing over three decades of industry experience and a strong track record in strategic leadership and operational excellence. He joins Howden from IAG/NZI, where he held several roles including Executive Manager Complex & Specialist Risks, and Executive Manager Broker & Specialist Claims, and ran profit and loss, distribution and sales strategy, SME distribution and personal lines, as well as managing market relationships. Prior to this, he spent 17 years at Rothbury Insurance Brokers, rising to Executive General Manager, Broking Services and Business Operations.  

Chris’s practical experience gives him valuable insight into client needs and long-term relationships. His expertise in the New Zealand insurance industry, proven focus, and delivery through innovation and growth position him well to lead Howden as it continues to expand in the Pacific region. 

Following Chris’s commencement, Nigel Wallace will transition to the role of Chair of Howden’s broking business in New Zealand. Whilst in the role of CEO, Nigel, who came to Howden as part of the acquisition of Wallace McLean in 2022, oversaw significant growth of Howden New Zealand. 

Since entering New Zealand in 2021, Howden has developed rapidly through a combination of strong organic growth and strategic acquisitions. With growing specialist teams and deep experience achieved through this approach, Howden New Zealand remains focused on offering choice and delivering solutions to businesses across the country. 

Matt Bacon, CEO, Howden Pacific said: “We are beyond thrilled to have Chris join Howden, bringing with him superb skills and experience to impart to the business. We have taken our time to find the right person for this role, and we believe that Chris will provide the leadership Howden needs to continue its growth strategy in New Zealand and the Pacific region.

This appointment also allows Nigel to step into the role of Chair, so that the business can continue to benefit from his valuable wisdom and guidance. I want to personally thank Nigel for his leadership and support since taking the CEO role which oversaw significant growth for Howden in New Zealand.

These appointments will provide us with exceptional leadership, enhancing our client offering and reinforcing Howden’s commitment to the region.”

Chris Hughes said: “I am very excited to be joining the Howden family and playing my part in helping grow the Howden business here in New Zealand and the wider Pacific region. I am especially looking forward to working with the very talented team that exists with the New Zealand business as well continuing to attract likeminded ‘people-first’ businesses, teams and individuals.”