Howden Appoints Alaric Lee CEO in Hong Kong
Howden has announced a leadership transition in its Hong Kong operations, appointing Alaric Lee as Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong, effective July 1, 2026, as Alfred Sham moves into a broader regional strategy position based in Singapore.
Alaric Lee, whose appointment is subject to regulatory approval, will succeed Alfred Sham, who has led the Hong Kong business of Howden for the past two years. Sham will relocate to Singapore to become Chief Strategy Officer, Asia, where he will focus on driving growth initiatives, acquisitions and expansion into new markets across the region, it says in a statement.
Currently serving as Chief Commercial Officer, Asia, Lee brings extensive regional experience to the role, including more than a decade working in Hong Kong. The company said his experience and market relationships position him well to lead the next phase of growth in one of Asia’s key insurance markets.
«I am excited to return to Hong Kong and take on this new role,» Lee said in a statement. «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.»
Focus on Strengthening Client Relationships
In his new role, Lee will oversee Howden’s Hong Kong business with a focus on strengthening client relationships and building on the company’s recent momentum in the market.
Sham, meanwhile, will assume a broader regional mandate after overseeing a period of significant growth in Hong Kong. According to Howden, the business 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.»
The company said the transition reflects its strategy of developing internal leadership talent while aligning management capabilities with its long-term priorities across Asia.
Founded in 1994, Howden provides insurance, reinsurance and underwriting services to clients ranging from private individuals to multinational corporations. The group operates in 57 countries across Europe, the United States, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand, employing more than 24,000 people globally and managing premiums of more than $50 billion on behalf of clients.
