Howden Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Howden has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, reinsurance, regional operations, and financial management.

Driven by a commitment to specialized risk consulting, Howden delivers tailored insurance solutions and employee benefits to a global client base through an employee-owned model that prioritizes long-term resilience and innovation.

Leadership Roles at Howden

  • Chief Executive Officer - Benjamin Cheng
  • Chief Executive Officer, At Howden Reinsurance Brokers Ksa - Motaz Bukhari
  • Chief Executive Officer (Mexico) - Luis de Lezo
  • Chief Executive Officer (Singapore) - Jenny Lim
  • Group Chief Financial Officer - Susan Panuccio
  • Chief Operating Officer - Yusuke Otsuka
  • Chief Operations Officer - Simphiwe Mtyali
  • Managing Director - Robert Foote
  • Managing Director - James Belding
  • Managing Director - William Wilson
  • Benjamin Cheng - Chief Executive Officer

    Benjamin Cheng, the Chief Executive Officer at Howden, directs the overarching strategic vision and global growth initiatives for the firm. By aligning specialized insurance brokerage services with evolving market demands, Cheng ensures the organization maintains a competitive edge in risk management. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine corporate governance and expand the reach of employee benefits solutions. Benjamin Cheng drives operational excellence across all international divisions, fostering a culture of innovation that supports diverse client needs. Through the implementation of robust business models, the Chief Executive Officer secures sustainable growth for the enterprise. By focusing on long-term resilience, Cheng strengthens the market position of the firm while delivering consistent value to stakeholders and clients alike.

    Motaz Bukhari - Chief Executive Officer, At Howden Reinsurance Brokers Ksa

    Motaz Bukhari, the Chief Executive Officer, At Howden Reinsurance Brokers Ksa at Howden, manages the strategic expansion of reinsurance operations within the Middle East. By architecting complex risk transfer solutions, Bukhari addresses the specific requirements of national and international corporations operating in the region. This leadership role requires deep sector knowledge to navigate the nuances of the local insurance landscape while maintaining alignment with global standards. Motaz Bukhari drives business development efforts that enhance the firm's footprint in the KSA market. Through the coordination of specialist teams, the Chief Executive Officer, At Howden Reinsurance Brokers Ksa ensures the delivery of high-impact risk management strategies. By fostering strong relationships with regional partners, Bukhari secures the firm's reputation as a premier provider of reinsurance expertise.
    Motaz Bukhari

    Luis de Lezo - Chief Executive Officer (Mexico)

    Luis de Lezo, the Chief Executive Officer (Mexico) at Howden, oversees all brokerage activities and risk consulting services across the Mexican market. By tailoring insurance solutions to the unique needs of local enterprises, de Lezo drives significant growth and market penetration. This leadership role involves managing cross-functional teams to ensure the seamless delivery of employee benefits and specialized risk management products. Luis de Lezo architects regional strategies that align with the broader corporate mission of excellence and client-focused service. By optimizing operational workflows, the Chief Executive Officer (Mexico) enhances the efficiency of service delivery for diverse industry clients. Through consistent engagement with local trade associations and corporate partners, de Lezo strengthens the firm's influence and operational scale within the Latin American region.

    Jenny Lim - Chief Executive Officer (Singapore)

    Jenny Lim, the Chief Executive Officer (Singapore) at Howden, manages the strategic direction and operational execution of the firm's activities within the Asian market. By focusing on the unique risk management needs of regional corporations, Lim drives the expansion of insurance and employee benefits services. This leadership role involves building strong partnerships with local industry professionals to enhance the firm's market presence. Jenny Lim architects regional growth strategies that align with the global mission of providing specialized, client-focused solutions. By overseeing the performance of local teams, the Chief Executive Officer (Singapore) ensures that service delivery meets the highest standards of excellence. Through the implementation of innovative brokerage models, Lim strengthens the firm's competitive advantage in the region. This focus on regional growth supports the overall success of the global organization.

    Susan Panuccio - Group Chief Financial Officer

    Susan Panuccio, the Group Chief Financial Officer at Howden, directs the financial strategy, capital allocation, and fiscal reporting for the entire organization. By overseeing the financial health of the firm, Panuccio ensures that resources are effectively deployed to support global growth and innovation. This leadership role involves managing complex financial planning and analysis to maintain the firm's competitive position in the insurance market. Susan Panuccio drives the development of financial frameworks that support the employee-owned model and long-term business resilience. By collaborating with the Board and executive team, the Group Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment between financial performance and corporate objectives. Through the rigorous management of fiscal risks, Panuccio secures the stability of the enterprise. This strategic oversight enables the firm to invest in new capabilities and expand its global footprint.

    Yusuke Otsuka - Chief Operating Officer

    Yusuke Otsuka, the Chief Operating Officer at Howden, directs the internal infrastructure and operational scaling of the firm's brokerage divisions. By optimizing administrative workflows and technology integration, Otsuka ensures that specialist teams operate with maximum efficiency. This leadership role involves overseeing the implementation of global operational standards that support the firm's collaborative, employee-owned model. Yusuke Otsuka drives the development of scalable systems that facilitate the delivery of insurance and risk management solutions. By coordinating with other C-suite leaders, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that operational capacity aligns with strategic growth targets. Through the continuous improvement of internal processes, Otsuka enhances the firm's ability to respond to evolving market demands. This focus on operational excellence provides the foundation for the firm's sustained success and client-focused service delivery.

    Simphiwe Mtyali - Chief Operations Officer

    Simphiwe Mtyali, the Chief Operations Officer at Howden, directs the supply chain logistics and service delivery frameworks for the firm's risk consulting operations. By focusing on the logistical aspects of insurance brokerage, Mtyali ensures that client solutions are executed with precision and speed. This leadership role involves managing the operational interface between specialist teams and corporate clients to guarantee seamless service. Simphiwe Mtyali drives the implementation of robust operational protocols that enhance the firm's ability to manage complex risk portfolios. By collaborating with other senior leaders, the Chief Operations Officer ensures that operational activities support the firm's broader strategic goals. Through the continuous refinement of service delivery models, Mtyali improves the efficiency and effectiveness of the firm's offerings. This focus on operational execution enables the organization to maintain its commitment to high-quality, client-focused service.

    Robert Foote - Managing Director

    Robert Foote, the Managing Director at Howden, directs the strategic development of specialized insurance portfolios for corporate clients. By focusing on high-growth sectors, Foote ensures the firm provides comprehensive risk management solutions that address complex business challenges. This leadership role involves overseeing the integration of sector-specific expertise into daily brokerage operations. Robert Foote drives the expansion of client services, ensuring that every engagement reflects the firm's commitment to innovation and teamwork. By collaborating with other senior leaders, the Managing Director aligns departmental goals with the overarching corporate strategy. Through the application of deep industry knowledge, Foote supports the development of resilient insurance products that protect client assets. This focus on strategic growth enables the firm to maintain its status as a leader in the global insurance market.

    James Belding - Managing Director

    James Belding, the Managing Director at Howden, manages the operational delivery of employee benefits and risk consulting services for large-scale corporate accounts. By architecting bespoke insurance programs, Belding ensures that clients receive strategic advice tailored to specific industry risks. This leadership role involves leading multidisciplinary teams to execute complex projects that support long-term business stability. James Belding drives the implementation of client-focused service models that enhance retention and satisfaction. By coordinating with the broader leadership team, the Managing Director ensures that service delivery remains consistent with the firm's global standards. Through the continuous refinement of internal processes, Belding optimizes the efficiency of the brokerage division. This commitment to operational excellence allows the firm to provide superior value and insights to its diverse client base.

    William Wilson - Managing Director

    William Wilson, the Managing Director at Howden, directs the strategic initiatives related to trade associations and professional insurance services. By leveraging deep sector knowledge, Wilson develops specialized risk management solutions that cater to the unique requirements of professional groups. This leadership role involves overseeing the growth of niche insurance portfolios and ensuring high-quality service delivery. William Wilson drives the expansion of the firm's influence within professional networks, fostering collaborative relationships that support business development. By aligning departmental activities with the firm's core mission, the Managing Director ensures that all insurance products provide maximum value to clients. Through the execution of targeted growth strategies, Wilson strengthens the firm's market position. This focus on specialized expertise allows the organization to address evolving client needs with precision and agility.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Howden Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Howden?
    Howden is led by Benjamin Cheng (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Motaz Bukhari (Chief Executive Officer, At Howden Reinsurance Brokers Ksa) and Luis de Lezo (Chief Executive Officer (Mexico)).
    Who is part of Howden’s executive team?
    The executive team of Howden includes leaders such as Benjamin Cheng (Chief Executive Officer), Motaz Bukhari (Chief Executive Officer, At Howden Reinsurance Brokers Ksa), Luis de Lezo (Chief Executive Officer (Mexico)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Howden have?
    Howden has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Howden’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Howden includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer, At Howden Reinsurance Brokers Ksa, Chief Executive Officer (Mexico), Chief Executive Officer (Singapore), Group Chief Financial Officer.