International broking group Howden announced today it is expanding into New Zealand, after setting up Australian operations earlier this year.

Howden will have a presence in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch and has appointed René Hattingh as CEO Howden Broking New Zealand.

Howden Care, the group’s workplace claims management, rehabilitation and wellness business, will also launch in New Zealand with Cliff McCord appointed CEO.

Ms Hattingh joins from local broking firm Donaldson Brown, where she was a partner. She was previously Head of FinPro New Zealand at Marsh.

Prior to joining Howden, Mr McCord spent 20 years at Wellnz – a workplace claims management, rehabilitation and wellness business – where he progressed to become CEO for six years.

Howden Pacific CEO Matt Bacon says the establishment of Howden operations in New Zealand is a significant achievement following on from the Australia launch.

“Despite the current climate, Howden has gone from strength to strength in Australia, and we feel certain that our New Zealand team will deliver upon the same trajectory,” he said.

“The addition of industry leaders René and Cliff into the Howden family is a huge win for us. We look forward to delivering significant value to our clients through their proven, market-leading expertise.”

Howden’s Australian operations were launched through a “strategic broking partnership” with Steadfast, and a Howden spokeswoman told insuranceNEWS.com.au the New Zealand business will also be linked to the Steadfast network.

Howden Broking, established in 1994, is headquartered in the UK and employs more than 6500 people worldwide.