Peter Kegel Appointed CEO and Erwin Henkes CCO/Deputy CEO of DUPI Group
Peter Kegel Appointed CEO and Erwin Henkes CCO/Deputy CEO of DUPI Group
Rotterdam, 12 september 2024 – DUPI Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Kegel as Chief Executive Officer and Erwin Henkes as Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO, both with effect from 1 October 2024, subject to approval by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). Peter succeeds Stijn Bakkeren, while Erwin succeeds Anton Cornel, as part of a planned leadership transition to support the company’s next phase of growth under SMABTP. Stijn Bakkeren and Anton Cornel, former shareholders, and directors, will depart from their roles on 30 September 2024.
Peter Kegel brings extensive experience to DUPI Group, having held key positions at prominent organisations including DUAL Europe, HDI Global, a.s.r., Stad Rotterdam Verzekeringen and Aegon. His expertise in managing financial services professionals and deep understanding of the Dutch insurance market make him ideally suited to guide DUPI’s growth as part of the SMABTP Group. Erwin Henkes joined DUPI in August 2023 as Commercial Director Casualty & Property and currently is Deputy CCO of DUPI.
Stijn Bakkeren, parting CEO and shareholder, expressed confidence in the transition: “As I prepare to step down from my role as CEO and shareholder of DUPI Group, I am filled with great pride in what we have achieved and excited about the future of the company under Peter’s leadership, with Erwin by his side in his role as CCO and Deputy CEO. Peter’s wealth of experience and strategic insight, combined with Erwin’s client-centric approach and innovation mindset, align perfectly with DUPI’s vision for growth and innovation. I am confident that under their leadership, DUPI will continue to grow and expand its position in the market. I wish Peter, Erwin, and the entire DUPI team all the best for the future.”
Peter Kegel, joining CEO, commented on his appointment: “I am delighted to join DUPI Group as its new CEO. Our company’s strong reputation in the insurance industry is the result of the hard work and commitment of Stijn, Anton and the entire team. Going forward, my primary focus will be twofold: ensuring continuity and stability in our operations in line with the strategy established jointly with the SMABTP Group, while looking for opportunities to improve our services and product offerings. I am determined to continue to earn the trust our clients and partners have placed in DUPI, as well as our distinctive high standards of service and expertise. Importantly, we will continue to nurture the unique blend of professionalism and fun that has become a cornerstone of our company culture.”
Erwin Henkes: “As I step into my roles as CCO and Deputy CEO of DUPI Group, I am enthusiastic about the opportunities that lie ahead. Our company’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedicated team continue to be a source of inspiration. My focus will be on delivering tailored insurance solutions, driving innovation with a client-centric approach, and ensuring we remain attuned to our clients’ evolving needs. Together with Peter and our talented team, I am committed to building upon DUPI’s strong foundation and steering the company towards continued growth and success in the Northern European market.”
Pierre Esparbes, CEO of SMABTP, added: “We welcome Peter to DUPI, as he joins a strong team of experienced professionals with a deep knowledge of the market. Peter’s mission will be to develop innovative solutions that meet the needs of our clients. With Peter Kegel and Erwin Henkes, DUPI is ready to further strengthen its position as a leading insurer in Northern Europe.”
About SMABTP
With a revenue of nearly 4 billion euros and over 4,300 employees, the group insures over 180,000 customers and members for all their insurance needs: businesses, professionals, craftsmen, managers, and private individuals. For over 165 years, it has specialised in professional liability insurance for the construction and real estate trades, property damage and motor fleets. It also offers personal insurance (life insurance, savings, provident savings, retirement, health, etc.) for companies and individuals. SMABTP distributes its products via a network of insurance advisors throughout France and overseas, and over 600 partner brokers. The group also has offices abroad: Asefa in Spain, Victoria Internacional in Portugal, SMA Belgium, SMABTP Côte d’Ivoire SA, DUPI and Woningborg in the Netherlands and SMABTP Germany.
About DUPI
DUPI is one of the leading licensed insurance agents for Marine and Engineering insurances in the Benelux. In recent years, DUPI has extended its activities in Property and Casualty insurance services, becoming a genuine competitor in these sectors. DUPI’s presence has also grown beyond the Dutch borders, as more and more clients choose DUPI to insure complex risks in the Benelux countries, Germany, and Northern Europe.
With branches in the Netherlands (Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and Schiedam), Denmark (Copenhagen), Belgium (Antwerp), Germany (Cologne, together with SMABTP) and Bulgaria (Plovdiv), DUPI Group has built up a team of more than 220 qualified professionals who share their commitment to providing excellent service.