Ardonagh Group has appointed Antonio El Hokayem as Chief Executive Officer of Antarah, its managing general agency (MGA) subsidiary. The appointment supports the group’s plans to strengthen its specialty insurance offering across the Middle East and Africa.
El Hokayem brings more than a decade of experience in insurance broking, underwriting and specialty leadership. His appointment remains subject to customary regulatory approvals.
Antonio El Hokayem brings regional insurance experience
El Hokayem joins Antarah from Gallagher, where he held several senior positions from 2022. His roles included Financial Lines Director for the Middle East and Africa and Head of Specialty for Saudi Arabia.
During his time at Gallagher, he gained experience in underwriting, placement and portfolio management. These areas form part of his professional background in specialty insurance.
Before Gallagher, El Hokayem spent three years at Zurich as a Financial Lines Underwriter. He began his insurance career as a broker at Chedid Re.
Antarah CEO to lead specialty insurance growth
As CEO of Antarah, El Hokayem will focus on developing the business into a multi-line specialty MGA serving clients across the region. His mandate includes building the company’s specialty insurance offering across Middle Eastern and African markets.
Ardonagh Group CEO David Ross said the appointment would support the development of the group’s proposition across the Middle East and Africa. Ross also noted growing demand for specialty insurance solutions in these markets.
El Hokayem said he plans to develop Antarah’s multi-line offering while exploring the use of technology and AI-enabled underwriting. He identified improved decision-making, underwriting efficiency and client experience as areas of focus.
“Central to our vision is exploring how technology and AI-enabled underwriting capabilities can support smarter decision-making, greater underwriting efficiency and a seamless client experience,” El Hokayem said.
Ardonagh strengthens its specialty insurance business
Antarah operates as a managing general agency and reinsurance intermediary across Middle Eastern and African markets. The company is an authorised Lloyd’s of London Coverholder.
Its multi-line offering is supported by “A”-rated binding authorities and Lloyd’s of London capacity. This provides the operating framework for its specialty insurance activities.
Ardonagh Group is developing its specialty proposition across the Middle East and Africa as demand for specialist insurance solutions grows. El Hokayem’s appointment places an executive with experience across broking, underwriting and specialty leadership at the head of Antarah.
Technology and AI in Antarah’s regional plans
El Hokayem has identified technology and AI-enabled underwriting as areas that could support Antarah’s development. His stated focus includes using these capabilities to improve underwriting decisions, operational efficiency and the client experience.
His previous roles at Gallagher and Zurich covered financial lines and specialty insurance. This experience will inform his leadership of Antarah’s multi-line business, according to the appointment announcement.
El Hokayem’s appointment is subject to customary regulatory approvals. He will lead Antarah as the business develops its specialty insurance offering across the Middle East and Africa.
