Howden Capital Markets & Advisory (“HCMA”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Des Potter as an Independent Non-Executive Director for its UK business. Potter joins HCMA with over 25 years of extensive experience in reinsurance broking, investment banking, and corporate finance.
Des Potter has held leaderships positions at Barclays Bank, Aon Benfield Securities, and Guy Carpenter Securities. At Barclays, he served as the Head of Insurance and Head of Commodities & Trade Finance. His tenure at Aon Benfield Securities saw him as a Board Member and Managing Director of Capital Markets, where he cemented his status as a leader in the industry. As Managing Director at Guy Carpenter Securities, Potter led a team specialising in M&A transactions, capital raising, and strategic financial advisory, particularly within the Lloyd’s market. He also played a key role in originating and structuring Insurance-Linked Securities (ILS) transactions for European insurers and global reinsurers. Most recently he has acted as an independent consultant for Lloyd’s market organisations, including to the Society of Lloyd’s, advising its management team in relation to enhancing access for institutional investors to support the growth of the Lloyd’s market.
After retiring from Guy Carpenter in December 2021, Potter founded Des Potter Consultancy Limited. Through his consultancy, he established and authorised London Bridge 2 PCC (“LB2”), a risk transformation vehicle known for its enhanced regulatory permissions and streamlined operating model. By December 2023, LB2 had facilitated $750 million in capital raises across 13 separate deals. Potter also contributed to expanding the Ki Algorithmics underwriting platform by integrating new third-party insurance partners.
Jarad Madea, CEO at HCMA, said: “We are pleased to welcome Des Potter as a NED in London. His extensive and impressive track record in reinsurance, capital markets, and risk management will be a valuable addition as we continue to drive growth and innovation. We welcome Des’s contribution to further enhance our strategic direction in the UK market.
Leo Beckham, HCMA’s Head of UK & Europe, said: “Des’s extensive executive experience and deep insight into the reinsurance sector, particularly in ILS and capital markets, will be invaluable to HCMA. I am looking forward to working with Des again, and we look forward to leveraging his expertise as we continue to grow and develop the business.”
Des Potter, Independent Non-Executive Director, Howden Capital Markets & Advisory, said: “I am delighted to be joining HCMA UK. I have known the team for many years and have been extremely impressed by the innovative and client focused way the business has developed. I look forward to contributing to its continued success.”
Des Potter holds a Certificate in Investments (Securities and Financial Derivatives) and a Certificate in Corporate Finance from the Securities Institute. He is also an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB).
