Howden has appointed former Wales and British & Irish Lions rugby player Dafydd James to its growing South Wales team.
James (pictured), who joins as business executive from Lockton, will support Howden’s operations across South Wales, the South West and globally. His remit will span a range of risk strategy services including cyber liability, marine engineering, aviation and renewables.
His arrival is part of Howden’s continued investment in senior talent with both professional and local roots, in line with its strategy of combining strong regional relationships with the scale of its international network.
“I am thrilled to be joining Howden’s team in South Wales,” James said. “With its local presence and global footprint, I was drawn to its community-driven approach and the opportunities that lie ahead.
“I am a results-driven professional focused on building long-lasting, meaningful business relationships, which makes Howden the perfect fit for me. My goal is to deliver bespoke insurance solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs, creating value far beyond the initial transaction.
“I see my role as a trusted adviser, committed to providing insight, guidance and continuity that fosters long-term client retention.”
Gary Stevens, regional managing director at Howden, welcomed the appointment, describing James as an ideal fit for the role.
“We are delighted to have Dafydd with us at our South Wales office,” said Stevens. “His drive and determination from his career as an athlete, coupled with his professionalism, makes him the perfect fit for us as a business executive.
“He has already proved to be a great asset to the team, throwing himself into our community events from day one, and I am confident that he will help us to continue providing outstanding service to clients.”
James is expected to play a central role in deepening client relationships and helping to drive growth across the firm’s specialist lines, as Howden continues to expand its presence in regional markets throughout the UK.
Howden also owns SPF Private Clients, which it acquired in 2022.
