Howden has appointed Robert Kennedy as CEO, Howden UK & Ireland. He replaces Carl Shuker who will takes up the role of deputy chairman of Howden UK & Ireland.

Currently CEO of Howden Ireland, Kennedy joined Aston Lark in 2020. He also brings experience from previous leadership positions across the industry including at Aston Lark prior to its acquisition by Howden, Aviva, RSA and Aon.

Shuker will transition into the role of Deputy Chairman, having spent 13 years as CEO of A-Plan and a subsequent four years as CEO of Howden UK & Ireland, following A-Plan’s acquisition by Howden in 2021. David Howden, CEO, Howden, said: “Rob has built a leading, full-spectrum broker in the Irish market over the last five years. With an incredibly exciting future ahead for our UK & Ireland business, I couldn’t be more pleased that we have extraordinary talent like Rob, an entrepreneur of our own, to lead it through the next phase of integration, growth and acceleration.

“He will take over a standout broking business from Carl, which is delivering solutions to millions of clients providing personal and commercial lines insurance, employee benefits and pensions advisory, and mortgage and wealth advice, operating from the high street and from offices the length and breadth of the country.”

Kennedy added: “I am deeply honoured to assume the role of CEO at the leading insurance broker across the UK and Ireland. This region holds a critical position in delivering Howden’s global strategic objectives, and I am excited to lead our exceptional teams through the next phase of growth. My immediate priorities will be to strengthen collaboration across all our teams to bring the best of Howden to every client and to enhance our infrastructure, ensuring we continue to deliver outstanding service to our clients with greater speed and efficiency.”