Howden Appoints Alaric Lee as CEO of Hong Kong Operations
Leadership transition marks next phase of growth strategy across Asia as Alfred Sham moves into regional expansion role in Singapore
Alaric Lee
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Global insurance intermediary Howden has announced a major leadership transition in Asia with the appointment of Alaric Lee as Chief Executive Officer of its Hong Kong business, effective July 1, 2026, as the company accelerates its regional growth strategy across key Asian markets.
Lee, whose appointment remains subject to regulatory approval, will succeed Alfred Sham, who will relocate to Singapore to assume the role of Chief Strategy Officer, Asia. In his new position, Sham will oversee strategic growth initiatives, acquisitions, and expansion opportunities across the region.
The appointment comes at a pivotal stage for Howden’s Asia operations as the company continues to scale its presence across one of the world’s fastest-growing insurance and reinsurance markets.
Currently serving as Chief Commercial Officer, Asia, Lee brings extensive regional expertise to the role, including more than a decade of experience working in Hong Kong’s insurance market. Howden said his strong market relationships and commercial leadership experience position him to lead the next phase of expansion in the territory.
“I am excited to return to Hong Kong and take on this new role,” Lee said. “It is a market I know well, with tremendous opportunity, and I look forward to working closely with the team to build on the strong foundation in place and deliver for our clients.”
Regional Expansion Strategy Gains Momentum
The leadership reshuffle reflects Howden’s broader strategy of strengthening its leadership capabilities across Asia while deepening its footprint in major regional insurance hubs including Hong Kong and Singapore.
As CEO of Hong Kong, Lee will focus on expanding client relationships, driving commercial growth, and building on the company’s recent momentum in the market.
Meanwhile, Sham takes on a wider regional mandate following a period of significant growth for Howden’s Hong Kong business. According to the company, the operation doubled in size during his two-year tenure as CEO.
“It has been a privilege to lead the Hong Kong business and to work alongside such a talented team,” Sham said. “I am proud of the progress we have made together and look forward to contributing to Howden’s continued growth across the region in my new role.”
Focus on Internal Leadership Development
Howden said the transition underscores its commitment to developing internal leadership talent while aligning management expertise with the company’s long-term strategic priorities across Asia-Pacific.
The group has continued expanding aggressively across global markets in recent years through acquisitions, talent investment, and broader diversification across insurance, reinsurance, underwriting, and advisory services.
Founded in 1994, Howden operates across 57 countries spanning Europe, the United States, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. The company employs more than 24,000 people globally and manages over US$50 billion in premiums on behalf of clients ranging from individuals to multinational corporations.
Industry observers view the latest leadership appointments as part of Howden’s ongoing effort to reinforce its position in Asia’s rapidly evolving insurance landscape, where demand for specialty insurance, risk advisory, and corporate coverage solutions continues to grow.
Global insurance intermediary Howden has announced a major leadership transition in Asia with the appointment of Alaric Lee as Chief Executive Officer of its Hong Kong business, effective July 1, 2026, as the company accelerates its regional growth strategy across key Asian markets.
Lee, whose appointment remains subject to regulatory approval, will succeed Alfred Sham, who will relocate to Singapore to assume the role of Chief Strategy Officer, Asia. In his new position, Sham will oversee strategic growth initiatives, acquisitions, and expansion opportunities across the region.
The appointment comes at a pivotal stage for Howden’s Asia operations as the company continues to scale its presence across one of the world’s fastest-growing insurance and reinsurance markets.
