Howden appoints Susan Panuccio as CFO, Mark Craig to become CIO

Global insurance and reinsurance broking group Howden has announced the appointment of Susan Panuccio as its new Group Chief Financial Officer (CFO), with Mark Craig set to take on the new position of Chief Investment Officer (CIO).

Craig steps into his new role after six years leading Howden’s Finance function through what the broker describes as the most transformational period in its history.

Panuccio will join Howden on January 6th, 2026, after more than 20 years with News Corp, the last eight of which she served as CFO and as a key part of the company’s leadership team during a period of growth and transformation.

News Corp generated record results during Panuccio’s tenure, and also transitioned into a diversified digital-and subscription-first business, while at the same time streamlined costs, increased margin, and made a number of strategic investments.

Previously, Howden’s new CFO held senior board and leadership positions at News Corp in the UK and Australia. Earlier in her career, she worked at AngloGold Ashanti and Ansett Australia. Panuccio’s career began as an accountant at KPMG.

“Howden’s capital model, with our core employee ownership and aligned external investors, is at the heart of our difference, together with our ability to attract the very best talent, our culture, and our sustainable growth story. Finding a partner to guard and grow this model as we deliver our ambitious plans for the future, including our recently-announced expansion in the US market, is critical,” said David Howden, CEO, Howden. “After a long and careful search, I am delighted that in Susan we have found an incredibly well-respected Group CFO with sharp commercial acumen, rich experience of transformation and growth in a US-listed global company, and a personal and collegiate approach to building a business. I am very much looking forward to working with her as we continue to build Howden.”

Panuccio commented: “After a fantastic twenty years with News Corp, the opportunity to join Howden in this next ambitious chapter is genuinely exciting. David and the leadership team’s energy and passion really stood out. The business model and growth strategy are clearly unique and I am excited to get started.”

Commenting on Craig’s time as CFO, Howden said: “In 2019, when Mark took over the role of CFO, the Group had revenue of £725m and 5,000 employees. This has grown to £3.5bn and 23,000 employees. During this time, Howden has undertaken more than 200 acquisitions, grown organically at over 14% per annum and completed substantial debt and equity raises. Mark has been absolutely integral to this success and I’m delighted that his contribution and our partnership will continue as he steps into this new role focusing on our investment activities.”