#USA #New York City #Westfield Insurance #Chief Underwriting Officer #Henning Haagen

Westfield Insurance's Strategic Leadership Move

Westfield Insurance, a key player in the property and casualty insurance sector, has made a significant leadership change by appointing Henning Haagen as its new Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO). This strategic decision was announced on August 27, 2025, and is poised to enhance the company's underwriting strategies and improve overall portfolio management.

Key Insights on Henning Haagen

Henning Haagen steps into this pivotal role with an impressive resume and a wealth of experience in underwriting and insurance management. His accession comes at a crucial time when Westfield seeks to bolster its foundation in underwriting while pursuing disciplined and profitable growth in the face of evolving market conditions. Haagen’s rich background includes significant leadership positions in the insurance industry, showcasing his ability to deliver results.

Ed Largent, the CEO and Chairman at Westfield, expressed confidence in Haagen's profound expertise. He highlighted that Haagen’s leadership abilities and hands-on experience in global distribution and portfolio performance will be instrumental for Westfield as it aims to achieve excellence in underwriting and sustainable growth. Haagen's strategic vision aligns perfectly with the company’s objectives of enhancing operational effectiveness and delivering high-quality products and services to its clients.

The Role of CUO at Westfield

In his capacity as CUO, starting on September 2, 2025, Haagen will be responsible for overseeing the development and execution of Westfield’s underwriting business strategies. This includes setting standards and policies for the global portfolio, which comprises various insurance lines such as personal, commercial, surety, and specialty insurance. Among his key responsibilities will be leading the Enterprise Underwriting Portfolio Strategy Committee, managing underwriting talent, reinsurance strategy, and providing strategic insights that drive profitability and maximize return on equity.

Henning Haagen is not new to the competitive landscape of insurance. Before joining Westfield, he was the Chief Development Officer at HIVE Underwriters Limited. Prior to this, he held various leadership roles at Allianz Commercial across major cities, including Munich, London, and New York. His remarkable career highlights include managing a diverse team of approximately 1,800 professionals and successfully transforming underperforming portfolios into profitable ventures. This strategic leadership experience will undoubtedly enhance Westfield's capabilities in navigating complex insurance markets.

Vision for the Future

Henning Haagen shared his enthusiasm about joining Westfield and contributing to an organization with a robust legacy and ambitious plans for the future. “I am excited to join Westfield and contribute to an organization with a strong heritage and bold aspirations for the future,” he remarked. His goal will be to work collaboratively with the underwriting teams to shape strategies that ensure excellence in insurance delivery and augment the company's market impact.

About Westfield Insurance

Founded in 1848, Westfield Insurance is renowned for its leadership in the property and casualty insurance market. The company provides superior insights into risk and innovative solutions through its extensive insurance product portfolio. Westfield endorses commercial, personal, surety, and specialty insurance via a network of leading independent agents and brokers across the United States. As a mutual insurance company with nearly 3,000 employees, Westfield achieves revenue exceeding $4 billion and manages more than $11 billion in assets.

This new appointment and Henning Haagen's innovative leadership may very well signal a bright future for Westfield Insurance as it seeks to expand its service capabilities and strengthen its position in a competitive marketplace.