Howden, the global insurance intermediary group, today announces the appointment of Robert Kennedy as CEO, Howden UK & Ireland. Kennedy will take up his new position on 1 October 2025, reporting into CEO David Howden, while Carl Shuker will become Deputy Chairman of Howden UK & Ireland.
Currently CEO of Howden Ireland, Kennedy joined Aston Lark in 2020. He also brings a depth of experience from previous leadership positions across the industry including at Aston Lark prior to its acquisition by Howden, Aviva, RSA and Aon.
Carl Shuker will transition into the role of Deputy Chairman, having spent 13 years as CEO of A-Plan and a subsequent four years as CEO of Howden UK & Ireland, following A-Plan’s acquisition by Howden in 2021. In his new position, Shuker will remain closely involved with Howden UK & Ireland and will continue to support Kennedy in the next stages of Howden’s growth journey.
David Howden, CEO, Howden, said: “Rob has built a leading, full-spectrum broker in the Irish market over the last five years. With an incredibly exciting future ahead for our UK & Ireland business, I couldn’t be more pleased that we have extraordinary talent like Rob, an entrepreneur of our own, to lead it through the next phase of integration, growth and acceleration. He will take over a standout broking business from Carl, which is delivering solutions to millions of clients providing personal and commercial lines insurance, employee benefits and pensions advisory, and mortgage and wealth advice, operating from the high street and from offices the length and breadth of the country.
"When I first met Carl, his deep commitment to empowering great people to delight their clients and be major contributors to their communities was clear from the outset. We were thrilled when he chose to make Howden A-Plan’s long-term home. It is a business which has always bucked the trends and delivered results like no other. Since he joined us he has brought the UK&I businesses together to build a UK&I powerhouse, and his 45 years in the industry is one of the best examples of people-first, ambitious growth that you will find. The business will continue to benefit from his strategic counsel in his new role as Deputy Chairman.”
Robert Kennedy, newly appointed CEO of Howden UK & Ireland, commented: “I am deeply honoured to assume the role of CEO at the leading insurance broker across the UK and Ireland. This region holds a critical position in delivering Howden’s global strategic objectives, and I am excited to lead our exceptional teams through the next phase of growth. My immediate priorities will be to strengthen collaboration across all our teams to bring the best of Howden to every client and to enhance our infrastructure, ensuring we continue to deliver outstanding service to our clients with greater speed and efficiency. I would also like to acknowledge Carl’s outstanding leadership and am grateful to have the opportunity to benefit from his extensive experience during this transition.”
Carl Shuker, CEO, Howden UK&I, added: “After an amazingly enjoyable 45 years in the industry, starting at A-Plan as a fresh faced 19-year-old and eventually becoming CEO of Howden UK&I, I am delighted to pass the reins to Rob to lead us into the next chapter. The people in this business make it the special place that it is, and I am so incredibly proud of them. I’m looking forward to supporting Rob to deliver on our strengths as we do even more together.”
Kennedy’s appointment is subject to regulatory approval.
