#USA #New York City #Underwriting #Westfield Insurance #Hennning Haagen

Westfield Insurance Welcomes Henning Haagen as Chief Underwriting Officer

On August 27, 2025, Westfield, a prominent player in the property and casualty insurance sector, made a significant announcement regarding its leadership team. The company appointed Henning Haagen as the new Chief Underwriting Officer (CUO). With an outstanding global background, Haagen is expected to play a pivotal role in reinforcing Westfield's underwriting strategy and its portfolio management.

In his new role, Haagen will be responsible for overseeing the development and execution of enterprise underwriting strategies across a diverse range of offerings, including personal, commercial, surety, and specialty lines. Based in New York City, he will work closely with other departments to advance the company’s mission of consistent, disciplined, and profitable growth in the marketplace.

Ed Largent, CEO and Chairman of the Board at Westfield, commented on this critical appointment, stating that Henning's extensive experience and leadership in underwriting and distribution will undoubtedly solidify the company's enterprise underwriting strategy. His history of enhancing portfolio performance aligns seamlessly with Westfield’s objective to deliver quality insurance products while pushing for excellence in underwriting practices.

Haagen's career trajectory includes his previous role at HIVE Underwriters Limited as Chief Development Officer and board member, where he showcased his ability to steer companies toward success. Prior to this, he held various leadership positions at Allianz Commercial across major global cities such as Munich, London, and New York. During his tenure at Allianz, he managed global sales operations, multinational underwriting, and claims, leading a workforce of nearly 1,800 professionals. Under his vigilant leadership, Haagen transformed previously underperforming portfolios into thriving entities.

Expressing his enthusiasm about joining Westfield, Haagen remarked, “I am thrilled to be part of an organization that has a rich history and ambitious plans for the future. Collaborating with our underwriting teams to shape strategies that promote profitable growth and enhance our market impact is something I eagerly anticipate.”

Founded in 1848, Westfield is recognized not just as a leading insurance provider but also as a company committed to delivering superior risk insights and innovative solutions. Its diverse portfolio of insurance products caters to various sectors, with distribution channels comprising leading independent agents and brokers within the United States. With nearly 3,000 employees, the company boasts revenues exceeding $4 billion and assets well above $11 billion.

As Henning Haagen steps into this significant role on September 2, his wealth of experience and leadership expertise is anticipated to contribute immensely towards Westfield's overarching goals and continued success in the insurance industry. With a focus on enhancing underwriting quality, talent management, and global risk appetite, Haagen is well-positioned to lead Westfield’s enterprise into new realms of profitability and service excellence.