Chicago, Illinois, United States, June 2026 — As part of its new Xcelerate29 group strategy, Corporate & Specialty insurer HDI Global (HDI) has announced a new organizational setup and key leadership changes for its US business. The company has appointed Shadi Albert as Chief Executive Officer of HDI Global US, effective July 13, 2026. Jim Clark, CEO of HDI Global US, has stepped down with immediate effect, while Dr. York von Falkenhayn has been appointed Interim CEO, effective immediately, to lead the business until Albert assumes the role.
The appointments are part of HDI Global’s organizational realignment under its Xcelerate29 strategy, designed to strengthen client centricity in the United States and expand the company’s role as a commercial carrier in the world’s largest insurance market.
In line with the Xcelerate29 strategy, HDI Global is pursuing significant growth in the US market. To support its long-term ambitions, the company is reorganizing its US operations with the objective of bringing underwriting, claims, and service teams closer to brokers and clients. As part of this repositioning, Jim Clark has stepped down after more than two decades with the organization.
Shadi Albert joins HDI Global US from W. R. Berkley Corporation, where he most recently served in senior leadership, including as President of Vela Insurance Services. Prior to that, he was President of Berkley Luxury Group, where he drove transformational growth and operational performance. Earlier in his career, Albert held senior positions across the insurance value chain with global brokers Aon, Marsh, and WTW, as well as executive leadership roles at US-based insurance companies. He holds a Master of Business Administration from Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia and is an alumnus of the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.
Until Albert assumes office on July 13, Dr. York von Falkenhayn will serve as Interim CEO. Since joining HDI Global in 2020, Dr. von Falkenhayn has served as Head of Market Management USA and has played a key role in developing the company’s Xcelerate29 strategy with a strong emphasis on growth and operational excellence.
As Jim Clark departs, the company acknowledged his contributions to the business. Dr. Mukadder Erdönmez, Member of the HDI Global SE Executive Board responsible for Liability, Motor, Cyber and the US Market, said:
“Jim has been with HDI for 23 years and has played a pivotal role in the development of our US business. I would like to thank him for his contributions to establishing our operations in the US and I wish him all the best for the future.”
Commenting on the strategic transition, Dr. Erdönmez added:
“The US is a critical growth market for HDI Global and central to our ambition to be a truly global and trusted Partner in Transformation for our clients and broker partners. We are now entering the next phase of growth, positioning HDI Global US as a commercial carrier that serves broker partners and clients more directly with tailored corporate and specialty insurance solutions. As part of this evolution, we are sharpening our strategic focus and aligning our leadership setup.
I am pleased to welcome Shadi as our new US CEO. His strong track record across both broker and carrier roles gives him a deep understanding of the US market. Under Shadi’s leadership, we will further strengthen our presence in the US and create added value for our clients and broker partners. I am also pleased that York will serve as our Interim CEO until Shadi takes over in mid-July.”
Expressing his enthusiasm for the role, Shadi Albert said:
“I am truly excited to take on this role and the opportunities ahead. The US market offers significant long-term potential, and HDI Global US is well positioned for future growth. I look forward to working with our teams, clients and broker partners to build on this strong foundation.”
Dr. Edgar Puls, CEO of HDI Global SE, added:
“The US is a key market for our growth ambitions and central to our strategy Xcelerate29. With our new organizational setup, we are strengthening our client focus and positioning our US business as a relevant commercial carrier for corporate and specialty solutions. I would like to thank Jim for his dedication and his contribution to our US business over more than two decades. At the same time, I am very pleased to welcome Shadi as our new US CEO. I am confident that, together with our teams, he will successfully lead HDI Global US into the next chapter of disciplined growth and increasing relevance in the market.”
All appointments remain subject to regulatory approval.
About HDI Global
HDI Global is a leading Corporate & Specialty insurer serving SMEs, industrial companies, middle-market businesses, and multinational corporations with tailored insurance solutions. Operating through a global network spanning more than 200 countries, the company manages approximately 5,400 international insurance programmes worldwide. As part of the Talanx Group, HDI Global generated approximately EUR 10.3 billion in gross insurance revenue in 2025 and employs more than 5,500 professionals globally. In the United States, the company operates through HDI Global Insurance Company, HDI Global Select Insurance Company, and HDI Specialty Insurance Company, providing commercial property, casualty, and specialty insurance solutions nationwide.
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