Basel-based reinsurance broker Haakon AG will now operate under the name Howden Re Switzerland, marking the final step in its integration into the Howden brand.
Haakon joined Howden one year ago and the rebranding reflects the company’s strategic alignment under a unified identity.
Ivo Gugolz, CEO of reinsurance for Howden Switzerland, said: “Over the past four decades, Haakon has built an exceptional reputation for delivering treaty, facultative, and complex reinsurance solutions to clients across Switzerland, Europe, Asia and the Middle East,
“Now, Haakon’s extensive expertise, combined with Howden’s global reach, allows us to create a powerful synergy to better serve our clients,” Gugolz said.
Over the past year, the integration of the two teams has enabled the delivery of comprehensive and long-term solutions to clients.
Thomas Meier, co-CEO of Howden Re Switzerland and former CEO of Haakon, described the rebranding as a logical step to leverage Howden’s strengths further.
“Together, we are creating the largest reinsurance broking team in Switzerland, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and innovation. This is an exciting chapter for all of us, and we look forward to continuing our trusted collaboration,” Meier said.
Massimo Reina, CEO international, Howden Re, commented that the company’s European growth strategy has focused on attracting independent broking specialists.
“We have found the ideal partner in Haakon, to achieve our reinsurance ambitions in Switzerland as well as strengthening our position as one of the leading reinsurance brokers in Europe,” Reina said.
Howden Re Switzerland will maintain its offices in Basel and Zurich to ensure close proximity to Swiss clients. The firm’s operations in Asia will continue to be supported by its Malaysia office, along with additional expertise provided by the team in Singapore.