Worldwide Broker Network (WBN) has appointed Gurpal Dhingra (pictured above) as its new chairman of the board, making him the first leader from Asia to hold the position. Dhingra serves as joint managing director of Prudent Insurance.
The appointment is part of WBN's succession and board rotation plan. Benjamin Verlingue, chairman and CEO of Adelaide, has also been named the network's new Treasurer.
WBN CEO Olga Collins said the organization is pleased to elevate Dhingra to the chairman role. "His global perspective, deep industry experience, and collaborative approach will be invaluable as we grow our network solutions, expand into new markets, and continue delivering exceptional value for our members and their clients worldwide," Collins said.
The leadership transition comes as Collins has characterized 2026 as a year requiring strategic clarity for the industry. She noted that the global insurance market faces a "softening market, but not softer risks," with organizations demanding more partnership and insight from advisors.
Brian Hetherington, who has served as chairman for four years, will transition to an ex officio role to support the leadership change. He has been involved with WBN for 12 years.
Collins acknowledged Hetherington's contributions, noting that his strategic role in building a resilient network structure positions WBN for continued growth. Scott Davis, president of national specialties of EPIC, has joined the executive committee as the representative for North America.
The network's board, which spans six continents, has added four new at-large members. They include Charles Bromfield, partner at McGill in the United Kingdom; Olivier DuBois, president and chairman of OLEA in Africa; Ralf Bender, CEO of SÜDVERS in Germany; and João Almedia-Santos, group international business director for Grupo Concentra in Portugal and Spain.
WBN also confirmed the addition of new broker members across multiple regions. Alpha Insurance Brokers in Cambodia, EXL in Greece and Cyprus, Starseg Corredores de Seguros in Paraguay, and Nordic Broker NB Oy in Finland have joined the network.
Existing member Associated Alliance has expanded its membership to cover Lebanon, Jordan, and Oman.
