International group Howden has appointed former Marsh and JLT leaders Andre Louw and Igor Fijan to key roles for the new Australian brokerage it announced last month.

Chairman Mr Louw was previously chairman of Marsh for the Pacific region and Chairman for JLT Australia and New Zealand and has also worked with Aon Risk Services.

CFO Mr Fijan is former Head of Integration of Marsh for the Pacific region and previously was CFO for JLT, Australasia.

The Howden broking business will join the Steadfast network, while its international operations will support Steadfast’s London Market broking requirements in a strategic partnership, as reported in an insuranceNEWS.com.au Breaking News bulletin.

“There is a clear opportunity in the Australian broking market for a credible international alternative, and for the existing clients of Steadfast members to have access to expertise and capacity in London and globally,” Steadfast CEO Robert Kelly said.

Howden Group, which changed its name from Hyperion Group last year, also includes underwriting business Dual.

Steadfast and Howden say they have built a close working relationship since Dual launched in Australia in 2004.

The Howden broking operations in Australia will focus on corporate, people risk and specialty lines.