HDI Global Specialty has named Zurich executive Richard Upton as its Head of Financial Lines for New Zealand.

Mr Upton joins HDI after nearly a decade with Zurich’s New Zealand team, where he served as financial lines and casualty underwriting manager, among other positions. He has also held roles across London and New Zealand markets for IAG, Allianz, AIG and Lumley General Insurance.

HDI Global Specialty New Zealand MD Mark Fleiser says he is “very excited” for Mr Upton to fill the new role and drive the financial lines business after it received its New Zealand licence in 2021.

“This strategic appointment underlines our commitment to being a meaningful insurer in the specialty lines sector in New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region as a whole,” Mr Fleiser said.

“It reflects the confidence we have in Richard to spearhead our growth aspirations for New Zealand and more specifically in financial lines, where we will now crucially have a local presence.”

Mr Upton will begin his new role on May 13.