HDI Appointed Active Underwriter for New Lloyd's Syndicate
The insurer selected Louise Radford to lead its upcoming Syndicate 2029 operations at the Lloyd's market.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in People
HDI Global UK & Ireland has appointed Louise Radford as active underwriter for the newly formed Lloyd's Syndicate 2029. The move follows the firm's approval in principle to establish the syndicate.
Why it matters
The appointment positions HDI to launch its specialized underwriting strategy within the Lloyd's market, signaling a expansion of its risk-taking capacity. The active underwriter role is central to maintaining regulatory compliance and portfolio performance for the new syndicate.
The newly authorized entity, identified as Syndicate 2029, now has its leadership in place to begin operations at the Lloyd's market. This appointment of one active underwriter follows the initial approval of the syndicate.
The players
Louise Radford
The newly appointed active underwriter for Syndicate 2029 who previously served as head of financial lines at HDI UK & Ireland.
Adam Curran
The chief underwriting officer of specialty at HDI who oversees underwriting operations.
HDI Global
A multinational commercial and specialty insurer that is expanding its presence through the Lloyd's market.
Lloyd's
The global insurance and reinsurance marketplace that functions through a series of syndicates.
The details
As active underwriter, Louise Radford assumes primary responsibility for the syndicate's underwriting strategy and risk appetite. She will oversee portfolio performance and ensure the entity meets strict regulatory requirements mandated for operation at Lloyd's. Reporting to chief underwriting officer of specialty Adam Curran, she brings experience from her previous role as head of financial lines.
Timeline
Louise Radford joined HDI as a senior underwriter in 2020.
HDI appointed Louise Radford as active underwriter on September 22, 2026.
Market Landscape
The establishment of Syndicate 2029 follows the rigorous Lloyd's of London syndicate approval process required for new market participants. This strategic launch mirrors broader industry trends of insurers seeking to diversify risk-taking via dedicated Lloyd's vehicles.
Operators in the insurance sector should monitor the competitive capacity of Syndicate 2029 as it begins to write business. The shift signals a potential change in market availability for financial lines and specialty risks.
The takeaway
Leadership selection is the critical precursor to operationalizing new underwriting capacity at Lloyd's. Businesses should track Syndicate 2029 as a new potential capacity partner for specialty risk placement.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership changes, visit People.
