Howden has expanded its reach on New Zealand’s North Island with the acquisition of Omni Insurance Brokers. 

Auckland-based Omni, established in 2006, has a team of 10 and offers commercial and domestic insurance to 1800 clients.

Founders Clinton Alcock and Matthew Thorburn will stay on to continue building the business. 

Howden Pacific CEO Matt Bacon says the deal creates “a powerful force in the New Zealand market. Omni’s people-first, tailored approach to risk aligns seamlessly with Howden’s commitment to specialist expertise and client-centric solutions, making it a natural fit for delivering truly comprehensive insurance.” 

Chris Hughes was appointed CEO of Howden New Zealand in August, overseeing a business that now encompasses Howden Broking NZ, Bridges Insurance, Sherpa, Howden Commercial Affinity (formerly Apex Group) and Howden Corporate (formerly Wallace McLean). 

Howden operates in 55 countries, employs 22,000 and manages $US47 billion ($72 billion) of premium. 

Omni says the change will expand its geography, leverage, service offerings and trading markets.

Rising stars get their chance to shine in the latest Insurance News magazine, as we chat to NIBA award winner Emily-Rose Srbinovska and check in with Suncorp's graduate talent program