Aitken to lead new Howden Private Client Division

Howden Insurance Brokers has launched a new Private Client Division, which will be headed up by incoming managing director Simon Aitken.

Aitken will start his new role in January, and joins Howden from Lycetts Insurance Brokers after 11 years working on a portfolio of private client, rural estate, farm, property and associated corporate products.

The new division will sell asset protection for high net worth individuals covering property, fine art, jewellery, motor, boats and private aircraft. The products will also provide cover for additional items such as estates, overseas property, farms, forestry, land and bloodstock.

Howden UK retail business managing director Chris Evans said: “Demand for this type of service has been increasing for some time, both from within our existing corporate client base and as a general trend in the UK.

“In response to these needs we have been searching for the right person to drive our private client offering, and Simon is extremely well-positioned to lead the operation. This is also a great time for us to launch, following the formation of our Employee Benefits division in August. Enabling private clients to benefit from our corporate expertise is an important step, as we continue to focus on growing our UK retail proposition.”

 Aitken said: “With a strong client base in the UK and a growing international network, supported by technology capabilities and a focus on quality service, Howden is in a great place to deliver private client solutions, and I am very pleased to have the opportunity to lead the development of this new division.”