Global insurance broker IPG Howden has appointed a chief commercial officer and a chief marketing and products officer to complete its senior management team, Asian Private Banker has learnt.

Gaya Vtheswaran, IPG Howden

Gaya Vtheswaran joined IPG Howden last month as chief commercial officer. Vtheswaran has over 15 years of experience in the U/HNW insurance industry and was most recently the deputy CEO at Private Client Services by Mercer, in charge of Southeast Asia, international, marketing and development as well as training for the Group.

Debbie Lau joined IPG Howden earlier this week as the chief marketing and products officer, a new role designed to provide frontline support and value-based solutions to the firm’s partners and clients.

Debbie Lau, IPG Howden

Lau has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and was previously the chief distribution officer at Transamerica Life Insurance.

“We are delighted to have Gaya and Debbie joining IPG Howden,” said Peter Tsih, regional CEO of IPG Howden. “Their appointments complete our senior management team, which represents the marketplace and promotes diversity to support sustainable organic growth.”

“As our business becomes increasingly commoditised, we remain committed to building a sustainable enterprise differentiated by value and advice.”

IPG Howden has been recruiting senior leaders over the past few months. Earlier this month, Asian Private Banker reported on the insurance broker’s hire of Michelle Lau, an industry veteran from HSBC Private Banking to helm its Singapore business.