Howden Expands into Japanese Retail and Captive Insurance Markets with Foresight Acquisition

Howden has expanded into Japan's retail insurance broking and captive consulting and management markets with the acquisition of Foresight Holdings Co. Ltd. This move strengthens Howden's existing captive insurance capabilities and supports its broader strategy for growth in Japan. Takuya Aibe, who has over 20 years of industry experience, including senior roles at Marsh Japan and Gallagher Japan, has been named CEO of Howden Japan's retail business. 

Foresight, founded in 2005, offers retail brokerage services and captive insurance consulting in Japan, as well as captive management services in Micronesia, Singapore, and Hawaii. Based in Tokyo, with 6 offices and 17 employees, Foresight manages captives for 13 major Japanese corporations. This acquisition follows Howden's purchase of ARM Holdings earlier this year, bringing the total number of captives managed by Howden to approximately 100 worldwide. 

Howden's expansion into Japan began in July 2024 with the launch of Howden Re Japan and the appointment of Kentaro Tada as CEO of Howden Japan. Howden Re Japan provides reinsurance brokerage services, strategic advice, and insurance-linked securities solutions tailored for the Japanese market. 

"Partnering with Foresight represents a big leap forward in the development of a broader offering for our Japanese clients," said Kentaro Tada, CEO of Howden Japan. "We are delighted to welcome Aibe-san, whose experience will help us best serve our retail customers." 

Kenichiro Hamada, CEO of Foresight, added, "Joining Howden allows us to leverage our expertise alongside Howden's global capabilities, helping us serve clients more effectively in a fragmented captive insurance market."