#USA #New York City #Westfield Insurance #Henning Haagen #CUO

Westfield's New Leadership: A Closer Look at Henning Haagen

Westfield Insurance, a prominent player in the property and casualty insurance sector, has recently named Henning Haagen as its Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO). This decision marks a significant move for the company as it seeks to bolster its underwriting strategy and enhance its portfolio management capabilities.

Meet Henning Haagen

Henning comes to Westfield with extensive experience in the insurance industry, particularly in underwriting and portfolio management. His journey in this sector has seen him occupy senior roles in various prestigious organizations globally, showcasing a keen ability to develop and execute successful underwriting strategies. Prior to joining Westfield, Henning served as the Chief Development Officer at HIVE Underwriters Limited, where he played a pivotal role in advancing their underwriting capabilities.

Henning has also held important executive positions at Allianz Commercial across major cities like Munich, London, and New York. His leadership skills were exemplified through a significant transformation project that turned a once non-performing portfolio into a successful and profitable one. This involved defining new regional and global underwriting strategies and ensuring alignment with enterprise goals, showcasing his expertise and strategic foresight.

Strengthening Westfield’s Underwriting Strategy

Taking the reins on September 2, 2025, Henning will be stationed in Westfield’s New York City office, where he will oversee the formulation and implementation of the organization’s underwriting strategy. His responsibilities will include chairing the Enterprise Underwriting Portfolio Strategy Committee, where he will manage risk appetite and improve underwriting quality. Furthermore, he will focus on talent management within the underwriting team and execute the enterprise ceded reinsurance strategy, ultimately aiming to drive profitable growth.

Ed Largent, the CEO of Westfield, expressed confidence in Henning’s ability to elevate the underwriting capabilities of the company. “Henning brings deep expertise and leadership that will strengthen our enterprise underwriting strategy,” said Largent. His belief in Henning’s expertise highlights the significant expectations placed upon him to lead Westfield into its next chapter of growth.

A Vision for the Future

In his statement, Henning articulated his enthusiasm for joining Westfield, noting the organization’s rich heritage and ambitious future. He emphasized the importance of collaboration within the underwriting team and expressed his readiness to partner across the enterprise to devise strategies that ensure profitable and sustainable growth.

Henning’s vision emphasizes the company's commitment to maintaining underwriting excellence while adapting to dynamic market conditions. This is crucial in today’s competitive insurance landscape, where the ability to anticipate and respond to market changes can dictate an organization's success.

About Westfield Insurance

Established in 1848, Westfield has emerged as a leader in the property and casualty insurance realm, providing customers with innovative solutions and risk insights through a diverse portfolio of insurance products. The company manages a spectrum of coverage options including personal, commercial, surety, and specialty lines, primarily through a network of independent agents and brokers in the United States.

As a mutual insurance company, Westfield boasts revenues exceeding $4 billion and manages assets of over $11 billion. With nearly 3,000 employees, it remains committed to offering high-quality insurance products while stimulating growth across different market verticals.

In conclusion, Henning Haagen’s appointment as CUO reflects Westfield’s commitment to strategic growth and excellence in underwriting. His global experience and track record of success position him well to enhance Westfield’s capabilities in the insurance market, ensuring that the company remains responsive to both its customers and the evolving industry landscape.