Head of Distribution, DACH

The role holder will be responsible for establishing and strengthening relationships with key focus brokers, specialist brokers, corporate in-house brokers, and selected Managing General Agents (MGAs) across the German-speaking markets. The role will drive market engagement, enhance brand presence, and contribute to profitable business growth by promoting Westfield’s underwriting capabilities, risk appetite, and specialist product offering.
The Head of Distribution, DACH will act as a trusted market representative, working closely with underwriting and leadership teams to develop sustainable distribution opportunities and support the execution within the German specialty insurance market.
The job holder is responsible for developing and maintaining broker and market relationships and identifying business opportunities. The role does not include authority to underwrite risks, bind insurance contracts, or enter into, execute or conclude agreements on behalf of Westfield Specialty Insurance Europe S.A. (“WSIE”). Such decisions and approvals remain subject to WSIE's delegated authority and governance arrangements.
Contractual terms discussed or developed by the role holder with brokers, MGAs, clients or other third parties are, in the ordinary course, subject to further review and formal approval and execution by the Company's authorised signatories at the Company's registered office in Luxembourg, in accordance with the Company's internal signature and authority policies in force from time to time.
Key Accountabilities & Role Requirements:
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Develop, maintain, and strengthen strategic relationships with key brokers, clients, MGAs, and distribution partners across the German market.
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Identify and secure new distribution opportunities aligned with Westfield’s specialty insurance strategy and risk appetite.
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Promote awareness and understanding of Westfield’s underwriting capabilities, line of business, and market proposition.
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Support profitable growth by developing strong commercial relationships with focus brokers, specialist brokers, and corporate in-house brokers.
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Collaborate closely with underwriting teams to ensure alignment between market opportunities and underwriting strategy.
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Maintain a strong understanding of local market dynamics, the competitive landscape, broker structures, and emerging opportunities within the German-speaking insurance markets.
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Provide market intelligence, broker feedback, and distribution insights to internal stakeholders to support strategic decision-making.
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Deliver high standards of professionalism, relationship management, and stakeholder engagement while acting as an ambassador for the Westfield brand.
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Ensure all activities are conducted in accordance with regulatory requirements, internal governance standards, and company policies.
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Contribute to the successful execution of regional business plans and strategic growth initiatives.
Skills & Competencies Required:
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Strong insurance distribution and relationship management capability within the German-speaking insurance markets.
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Proven ability to develop, influence, and maintain trusted long-term business relationships.
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Excellent commercial awareness and understanding of specialty insurance markets and distribution models.
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Strong networking, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
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Ability to identify and convert business development opportunities into sustainable growth.
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Deep understanding of specialty insurance products, underwriting principles, and risk appetite frameworks.
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High levels of resilience, credibility, professionalism, and personal integrity.
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Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across international teams.
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Fluent German and English language skills are essential.
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Adaptability and willingness to travel within the DACH region and internationally as required.
Qualifications & Experience:
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Significant experience within the insurance industry, preferably within specialty insurance or commercial lines.
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Proven track record in broker management, client engagement, distribution development, or business development roles.
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Established network and strong market relationships within the German-speaking insurance markets would be highly advantageous.
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Demonstrated success in developing profitable broker and/or MGA partnerships.
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Strong understanding of specialty insurance products and market practices.
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Experience working within an international insurance environment would be beneficial.
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Relevant professional insurance qualifications are desirable.
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Degree educated or equivalent professional experience preferred.
This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed in this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, responsibilities, knowledge, etc. These may be subject to change and additional functions may be assigned as needed by management. #wspi