Spight (pictured above) will oversee the company's cybersecurity strategy, with a focus on data protection, compliance and risk management across hybrid environments.
HGIC said Spight’s appointment underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity in the insurance sector, where protecting sensitive client data and maintaining regulatory compliance remain central to operations.
Kashif Syed, chief information and transformation officer at HGIC, said Spight’s ability to align IT with business strategy and manage complex security operations will play a critical role as the company continues to expand and modernize its platform.
With more than two decades of experience, Spight has led security initiatives across the insurance, government, education, and manufacturing sectors. His work has included expanding cybersecurity consulting capabilities in governance, risk and compliance, as well as developing vulnerability and threat monitoring programs designed to boost cyber readiness.
Prior to joining HDI, Spight held senior leadership positions at several organizations, contributing to global expansion projects in both Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.
Spight said the appointment offered the chance to contribute to global-scale initiatives at HDI. He noted that the rising importance of information security makes collaboration across geographies essential in building resilient solutions that support the company’s partners and clients.
Cybersecurity rises on insurers’ agendas
HGIC’s decision to strengthen its leadership in cybersecurity reflects broader industry trends. Insurers face increasing pressure from regulators, clients, and rating agencies to demonstrate resilience against rising threats, particularly ransomware and supply-chain attacks that have targeted financial institutions in recent years.
At the same time, carriers are contending with growing demand for cyber insurance coverage. According to market analysts, US cyber premiums have grown at double-digit rates in recent years, even as loss ratios remain volatile.
Insurers are responding by investing not only in underwriting capacity but also in their own operational defenses to safeguard customer trust.
