Howden hires AXA XL’s Lutgen as European COO

Howden, the international insurance broker, announces today the appointment of Philippe Lutgen as chief operations officer for Europe, effective immediately. Lutgen will report to Luigi Sturani, CEO, Howden Europe and will be based in London.

In the newly formed role, Philippe will lead on operations across the continent (excluding the UK), supporting on the development and execution of Howden’s ambitious growth strategy, while driving successful integration as it establishes and consolidates its European platform.

 He joins from AXA XL where he spent the previous 20 years, most recently as chief operations officer for Asia Pacific and the Middle East.

Lutgen joins at a time of growth for Howden Europe, following its recent acquisitions of Theoreme and CRF Conseils in France and, earlier this year, Assiteca in Italy. 

Sturani commented: “With a track-record in leading large and multi-national operations, Philippe will enable Howden to realise and embed its strategy for a strong continental platform, while ensuring each of our European markets maintain their deep local specialisms and entrepreneurial cultures.”