Acrisure Portugal has appointed João Mendonça (pictured above) as chief executive officer, effective immediately, as the firm seeks to expand its operations in a Portuguese market that recorded premium revenue exceeding €14.3 billion in 2024.
The appointment marks the first major leadership change since Acrisure completed its rebrand from Universalis in July 2025, following a two-year integration period after acquiring the business in 2023.
The move represents a shift between two competitors operating similar Portuguese footprints. Both Acrisure Portugal and Howden Portugal maintain 12 offices across the country, though they differ significantly in global scale and local positioning.
Howden, the world's largest employee-owned insurance intermediary, advises on more than US$30 billion of annual premium worldwide and employs about 12,000 people globally. The firm directs its Portuguese activity mainly to the corporate and institutional segments, with expertise in sectors including M&A, real estate, construction, and energy.
Acrisure Portugal operates a smaller local base, with over 25,000 clients and insurance premiums exceeding 25 million euros before its acquisition. The brokerage provides insurance solutions specializing in corporate, trade credit, and personal lines, and has been active in the Portuguese market for over 50 years.
Industry data shows Portugal's non-life insurance market had total gross written premiums of US$7.1 billion in 2022, with written premiums forecast to rise from 6.6 billion euros in 2023 to 9.2 billion euros in 2028. Non-life premiums represent around 70% of total premiums in Portugal, a more pronounced focus compared to the eurozone average.
The motor segment accounts for the market's largest proportion, with 32.8% of overall value, while health and motor insurance together encompass more than half of non-life insurance premium revenue.
Market observers note the Portuguese insurance sector in 2025 was characterized by sustained premium growth, increasing regulatory demands, and accelerated digital transformation.
Jason Howard, president of Acrisure International, said the Portuguese market continues to present growth opportunities.
"We are focused on attracting leaders with deep regional expertise to support our clients' ambitions," he said, adding that Mendonça brings a proven ability to drive growth and innovation.
Mendonça said Acrisure has an opportunity to strengthen its Portuguese operations and drive growth by leveraging technology alongside business and insurance solutions. "I look forward to working with the broader team to execute the group's strategy focused on innovation with sustainable growth," he said.
The global Acrisure group employs over 16,000 people in 21 countries and has grown from US$38 million to US$4 billion in revenue in just over ten years, the firm reports.
