HDI Global US Names Duhart Underwriting Officer
Maria Duhart takes the US Specialty underwriting role while Dan Feige is promoted to lead US Short-tail Lines, both reporting to CEO Shadi Albert.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in People
HDI Global US, a corporate and specialty insurance provider, appointed Maria Duhart as Chief Underwriting Officer for US Specialty and promoted Dan Feige to Chief Underwriting Officer for US Short-tail Lines. Both executives report directly to Shadi Albert, CEO of HDI Global US, and join the US Executive Leadership Team.
Why it matters
The appointments are intended to strengthen oversight of underwriting operations and support expansion of commercial and specialty insurance activities. They align with the Xcelerate29 strategy, which emphasizes technical expertise, underwriting management and distribution partner relationships.
Duhart previously led US East Zone Client and Distribution operations at AXA XL, while Feige joined HDI Global US in June 2026 from Liberty Mutual. The announcement does not specify the Surety operation's launch date.
The players
HDI Global US
HDI Global US is a corporate and specialty insurance provider within the HDI Global group, operating in the United States market.
Maria Duhart
Maria Duhart previously worked at AXA XL, where she was responsible for US East Zone Client and Distribution operations before taking the Chief Underwriting Officer role for US Specialty.
Dan Feige
Dan Feige previously served as Chief Underwriting Officer for Marine within the Major Accounts business at Liberty Mutual before joining HDI Global US in June 2026.
Shadi Albert
Shadi Albert is the Chief Executive Officer of HDI Global US, to whom Duhart and Feige report directly.
The details
Duhart's remit includes Architects & Engineers, Credit & Political Risk, Equine and Delegated Authority, and will extend to the proposed Surety operation. Feige retains his existing responsibilities across Engineering, First-Party Construction and Inland Marine while adding underwriting oversight for Property, Energy and Ocean Marine within US short-tail business.
Timeline
June 2026: Dan Feige joined HDI Global US.
2026: Wider restructuring and expansion of the senior management team took place.
November 2, 2026: HDI Global US confirmed the Duhart and Feige appointments.
Market Landscape
The appointments follow HDI Global's Xcelerate29 strategy, which prioritizes technical underwriting expertise and distribution partner relationships. The move reflects the group's push to build out its specialty and short-tail lines in the United States commercial insurance market.
For brokers and commercial clients placing specialty or short-tail coverage with HDI Global US, the leadership changes mean a new point of contact for underwriting decisions. The company has not announced changes to its products or pricing.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at underwriting level often signal where an insurer plans to grow, so watch for new product lines as Duhart's remit expands toward a Surety operation. Commercial clients should confirm who now handles their underwriting questions.
Further reading
Explore more People coverage on leadership moves across U.S. business and insurance.
