HDI Global has appointed John Morrell (pictured) as head of energy & power underwriting Middle East, effective Dec. 1. Morrell will be based in Dubai and will lead a team responsible for underwriting risks in the conventional and renewable energy sectors, including both operational and construction exposures.
The appointment is part of HDI Global’s plan to expand its cross-divisional energy & power unit in the Middle East.
Morrell has more than 14 years of experience in the renewable and construction sectors, with a background in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Dubai team also includes Shumaila Shakeel, who joined as power underwriter on Nov. 3. The team will deliver HDI Global’s insurance solutions, such as International Programmes, Captives, and Alternative Risk Transfer, to clients in the region.
Franz Adamczyk, global head of energy & power underwriting, said: “Our clients will benefit from our one-stop shop approach, close dialogue, and fast service from our cross-division energy & power unit. With his comprehensive experience in this sector, John will significantly strengthen our proposition for our clients and partners.”
Morrell added: “HDI Global operates a dedicated energy & power unit worldwide, with the Middle East being one of the most strategic markets in this segment. I am excited to strengthen our local presence while providing clients and brokers across the region with bespoke support and strategic insights. I am happy to have Shumaila on board for this journey.”
HDI Global opened its Dubai office 16 months ago. The Dubai office is focused on developing new client relationships in the Middle East, while the Singapore office continues to serve existing clients, particularly those with downstream energy assets. This approach is intended to maintain service continuity for current clients and support new business in the region.
Willem van Wyk, managing director of HDI Global Dubai, commented: “These are exciting times within the energy & power sector, and I’m convinced that our new strategic lineup, led by John, will help drive HDI Global’s profitable growth in the dynamic Middle Eastern market.”
Van Wyk also acknowledged the ongoing collaboration with the Singapore office, which continues to assist with serving existing international clients, while the Dubai team works on expanding its local presence. He said: “I want to thank the Singapore team for their continued support in this region to serve our existing global clients while we are focused on building new relationships. With Shumaila, we have made our first great step to build up our local team.”
Alex Tarantino, managing director of HDI Global Singapore, added: “At HDI, we strive to best serve our clients’ interests through leveraging our global branch network. We look forward to continue collaborating with our colleagues in Dubai to further strengthen our product & services in the Middle East energy & power sector as a true partner in transformation. Thank you to our underwriting manager Edmund Binsted, who will remain the main contact for the existing relationships.”
Morrell’s appointment follows additional leadership changes at HDI Global SE in the Asia-Pacific region. Haris Michaels, previously based in Sydney, relocated to Singapore in the third quarter to take on a regional role. He supports clients with projects in energy, renewables, and infrastructure. He joined HDI Global in 2013 and most recently led the engineering and construction underwriting team in Australia.
Stevan Bonic succeeded Michaels as underwriting manager for engineering in Australasia. He joined HDI Global SE in 2020 and has more than a decade of experience in engineering insurance, including previous roles at AIG. He has worked on infrastructure placements and previously served as technical underwriting manager.
