New Howden Re hire to lead the reinsurance broker in Australia and New Zealand was previously CEO of Lockton Advisory.
Howden Re has appointed John Philipsz as managing director and head of its Australia and New Zealand operations, effective from 1 July 2025.
Philipsz takes on the role with a mandate to accelerate the firm’s regional growth, building on established strengths in facultative and treaty reinsurance, MGA support and advisory services.
His remit also includes expanding Howden Re’s capital markets advisory footprint in Australia and New Zealand, in coordination with the firm’s global capital markets and advisory division.
With over 25 years of experience across reinsurance, capital markets and strategic advisory, Philipsz was most recently CEO of Lockton Advisory, where he developed its advisory proposition in the region.
His prior roles include senior leadership positions at global reinsurance and investment banking firms, spanning both domestic and international mandates.
He succeeds Stuart Beatty, who is stepping back after five years at the helm and 38 years in the industry.
Beatty will remain with Howden Re in a supporting capacity, focusing on its MGA strategy alongside Stephen Greener. Philipsz will report to Andy Souter, head of Asia Pacific for Howden Re International.
“I am delighted to welcome John to Howden Re,” said Souter.
“His appointment reflects our ambition to build a truly differentiated platform in Australia and New Zealand — one that combines deep local insight with global capability, and that delivers specialist solutions across reinsurance, MGA, and capital advisory.
“This market presents a clear opportunity for innovation and investment, particularly at the intersection of risk and capital, and John’s experience makes him ideally placed to lead this next phase.
“I’m equally pleased that Stuart will continue to play an important role in shaping our MGA proposition and supporting the broader business.”
Philipsz said he was excited to take on the challenge and help expand the firm’s footprint in the region.
“The opportunity to build a future-focused platform, delivering Howden Re’s multi-disciplinary capabilities in a region that embraces innovation is hugely exciting,” he said.
“I look forward to working with the team to expand our presence and deliver solutions that help our clients grow and thrive.”
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