Howden appoints Brigitte Trafford as Group Chief Corporate Affairs Officer

London, 3 April, 2025 – Howden today announces the appointment of Brigitte Trafford to the newly created role of Group Chief Corporate Affairs Officer.  Trafford will report directly to David Howden and join the Global Leadership Team. The appointment is with immediate effect.

Trafford will lead the Group’s Brand and Marketing, Communications, PR, Public Affairs, Events, Research, and Social Impact teams to develop a global strategy that supports the business as it talks to talent, clients, prospects, partners, policymakers and investors, and continues to reach new audiences around the world. 

Trafford has most recently acted as a senior advisor to Lansons, the corporate reputation consultancy, and over the course of her career has held a number of leadership roles in corporate affairs and marketing serving on the executive committees of LSEG, Virgin Media, ICAP, ITV plc and Dow Jones & Company.

David Howden, CEO, Howden comments: “How we show up as a global company will be an absolutely critical part of the next phase of our growth journey.  And how we do this as one company, amplifying our own unique message while also playing our part in showcasing what insurance can do for growth and resilience in the world is vital.  I’m delighted to welcome Brigitte to the company to help us shape that future.” 

Brigitte Trafford adds: “Howden’s story is an extraordinary one: an insurance business that has grown from three people (and a dog) in London 30 years ago to 22,000 in 55 countries today, serving clients from the high street to the global boardroom, generating £3 billion in revenues.  Importantly, it’s powered by a core employee ownership model which means thousands of employees own shares in the company.
  
“With the Howden name on branches and offices in more than 200 towns across the UK, rapidly growing global operations, and exciting sponsorships including Ascot racecourse, the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Team and The British & Irish Lions, there is a very special story to tell.  I am very much looking forward to helping to do just that.”