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Howden India accelerates growth with Amit Agarwal at the helm
Mumbai: Howden, the global insurance group, has announced the appointment of Amit Agarwal as CEO, Howden India, effective 1 August. Agarwal takes over the reins from Praveen Vashista, the former CEO, who will now step up to the position of Chairman. Agarwal’s appointment underlines Howden India’s ambitious growth plans and aspiration to be a leading broker in one of the world’s fastest growing insurance markets by 2026.
Under Agarwal’s leadership, Howden India will continue its drive for innovation and the expansion of its product offering, and will continue to embed local expertise in India for the benefit of its clients. It will execute on this strategy by attracting top industry talent through an empowered and employee-owned culture that allows its people to build a business for the long-term.
Howden founder & CEO David Howden said, “Ever since we commenced operations in India in 2004, Praveen’s leadership has been constant and loyal. He has grown the business, recruited a talented team and helped to build a leading insurance broker in the country. I thank him for his unwavering support, and know that he will lend his invaluable expertise and guidance to support Howden’s ongoing success and expansion initiatives as Chairman.”
International Growth Markets CEO Sonia Caamaño commented, “Amit’s appointment as CEO underscores our commitment to investing in top talent and local expertise to better serve our clients. His vast knowledge of the Indian insurance market and strategic vision aligns perfectly with Howden’s global objectives and we know that we are primed for the next stage in Howden India’s growth story.”
Agarwal brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise in insurance brokerage. Having held significant leadership positions in the insurance sector, his appointment reflects Howden’s commitment to delivering exceptional client solutions and strengthening its position as a leading player in the Indian market. Agarwal joined Howden India in 2019 as a Managing Director and led its Liability & Specialty Risks practice. Prior to this, Agarwal held the role of Director for four years in JLT’s Financial Lines and Credit & Political Risk team in Mumbai. He has also held roles with Marsh and UIB.
Agarwal said, “As I take the reins from Praveen, I would like to thank him for establishing Howden’s strong foothold in the Indian insurance market. India presents a dynamic and ever-evolving insurance landscape, and our focus will be on driving growth, enhancing customer experience, and contributing positively to the development of insurance industry in India. Our employee owned business model is a critical differentiator in attracting the best talent from the market. It aligns the goals of our colleagues with that of the firm and drives them to deliver exceptional services to our clients.”
Howden India received its trading license in 2004 and now employs over 300 people operating across offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune and Hyderabad. As the sixth largest broker in the country, it has built a strong reputation as a specialist commercial insurance broker in key product lines including Liability & Specialty, Agriculture, Health & Benefits, Aviation, Property & Construction, and Reinsurance.
In 2022, Howden announced it had obtained Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) approval to increase to 100 per cent its stake in Howden India, reflecting the company’s commitment to build a leading broking business in the country that fosters long-term partnerships with clients and focuses on investing in people and data and technology.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
