Howden has appointed Leigh Dauncey as regional employee benefits director for India, the Middle East, and Africa (IMEA), at the executive director level, effective January 2026, the company announced on 13 January.
Dauncey brings more than 20 years of industry experience and has been with Howden since May 2022, where he has played a central role in developing the EB proposition across the MEA and building the EB team in India, the global broker said in its announcement.
His appointment supports the business’s strategy to move to a more formal matrix structure, embedding deeper EB expertise within regions as the business continues to scale globally, the broker added.
In his new role, Dauncey will be embedded within the regional leadership structure, with a primary reporting line into MEA, a dedicated focus on India, and representation at the global employee benefits leadership level.
“This is an exciting time for employee benefits across IMEA,” Dauncey said. “Client needs are evolving quickly, and we have a real opportunity to build strong, locally relevant EB propositions — supported by AI, our new global technology platform, and coordinated delivery for our multinational clients.”
Glenn Thomas, Howden CEO and global practice leader – employee benefits, added: “Leigh’s leadership and regional expertise will help ensure we deliver consistent, high-quality solutions while staying closely aligned to local market needs.”
Dauncey’s appointment follows the recent formalisation of regional EB leadership in Asia, with Philip Samsons appointed as regional EB leader in October 2025.
It also follows executive movements at Howden in the region earlier this month, particularly in its M&A teams: Adrian Chai as senior director for M&A, Asia, Jianhua Chen (director) and Rosy Wang (associate director) to the firm’s China M&A team, and Janice Jiang as an associate in its Asia M&A.
