The HBC Group is strengthening its governance structure by welcoming two internationally experienced industry experts to its board. With the appointment of Marguerite Soeteman-Reijnen, a renowned brokerage strategist, and Dr. Christoph Wetzel, an experienced insurance executive, the group adds significant depth to its leadership as Non-Executive Directors. Both appointments underscore HBC’s commitment to uniting professional excellence from the brokerage, MGA and carrier sectors within its strategic management.
Following its successful expansion into the Nordic market and targeted reinforcements in the areas of occupational pensions and health insurance, the HBC Group is now focused on incorporating additional external board expertise to drive future momentum.
We are delighted to have gained two proven experts for our board in Marguerite and Christoph.
Carsten Kratz, Chairman HBC Group and Partner & Head of DACH at Bridgepoint
"Their extensive experience in managing complex organizations and their deep understanding of the insurance industry's transformation will help us drive the Group's growth sustainably and with high quality. It is an important signal to our partners and clients that we are positioning the Group's strategic guidance on such a high-caliber, international level," adds Carsten Kratz.
Gert Schlossmacher, CEO of the HBC Group, emphasizes the operational value: "The profound know-how from the insurer side, paired with international brokerage expertise, is exactly the addition we need for our next phase of development. Marguerite and Christoph bring perspectives that will solidify our position as a specialized quality leader."
Background on the New Board Members
Marguerite Soeteman-Reijnen looks back on an impressive career in the global insurance industry, most recently as Chairman of the Executive Board of Aon Holdings. She is an internationally sought-after expert in risk management and corporate governance. In addition to her role representing the Netherlands in the G20 Empower initiatives, she holds several supervisory board mandates, such as Siemens Netherlands.
"HBC has built an impressive platform in a short period of time. I look forward to contributing my experience from the international brokerage business to support the Group in its further scaling and integration within European markets," says Marguerite Soeteman-Reijnen.
Dr. Christoph Wetzel possesses extensive leadership experience within the insurance industry. His career includes long-standing board positions at Talanx/HDI as well as Basler Germany, where he was responsible for the P&C business (Retail and Commercial) and served as COO. Furthermore, he is the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DARAG Deutschland. His expertise focuses on operational excellence and the digital transformation of business models.
"The combination of specialized entrepreneurship and a strong group structure makes HBC an exciting player in the market. I look forward to supporting this journey as a board member and, in particular, helping to constructively shape the development of the brokerage platform and the engagement with risk carriers," comments Dr. Christoph Wetzel.