About us

About us

A unique focus on

building relationships

A unique focus on

building relationships

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Where advice, commitment, dedication, creativity, service and an intimate understanding of your needs represent the foundation of our relationship.

Where advice, commitment, dedication, creativity, service and an intimate understanding of your needs represent the foundation of our relationship.

Touch base with us online

Request a call back

Our approach is different...we hope refreshing

Transacting insurable risk in the global insurance market is the easy part of our role, so the foundation of our relationship is our intense focus on giving advice.

Only with specialised professional advice can you examine and critique your:

  • responsibility to stakeholders;
  • approach to risk and insurance;
  • the efficiency and suitability of delivery models;
  • cost/reward balance of risk management controls;
  • loss predictability and resultant linkage to the financial efficiency of available insurance risk transfer structures.
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Our foundation was laid back in 1974

For nearly 50 years, our principals have been at the forefront of global risk advisory and insurance broking services.

Today, HDL Insurance Brokers is proud to be one of the few remaining wholly owned Australian Insurance Broking firms providing technical and placement expertise for companies, associations and private clients enabling the protection of their global risk exposures.

Specialist risk & insurance broking services

HDL provides specialist risk & insurance broking services partnering with you using our technical knowledge and expertise to address your risk and insurance needs. 

Our team members have been engaged based on their industry specialisation, integrity, ability to provide outstanding customer service, and commitment to the relentless pursuit of value-added solutions and results.

Customising programs and solutions we drive better outcomes empowering you to realise ongoing confidence and financial security.

Why choose HDL

We deliver on promises

What we present or discuss with you will always be followed through. We remain true to our word and transparent in all aspects of our dealings with you.This partnership approach ensures our client retention and satisfaction rates remain consistently high.

When you experience a broker relationship that engenders such trust and openness, it is difficult to go back to anything else.

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Global Network Partners and Global Reach

HDL has access to specialist Insurance markets and as a member of UnisonSteadfast, we are able service your operations throughout the world in a structured and transparent manner.

Whilst we can transact business through our UnisonSteadfast network, unlike our competitors we are free to use expertise external to these partners.

This flexibility allows us to provide the best outcome for you at all times in any country in which you operate.

unisonSteadfast Network

Read more about international risks

US$ 30 bn

Premium

7

Coordination Hubs

1,000 +

Network Partners

140

Countries

2,000

Offices

24,000

Employees
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unisonSteadfast Network

Meet our principals

Our principals are recognised market leaders ensuring HDL continue their evolvement as innovators of risk and insurance strategy for the benefit of all clients.

Only with expert specialist advice can you have confidence to make informed decisions.

John Horsell

Founder/Executive Chairman

John has more than 50 years’ experience in the insurance industry.  He is a widely travelled insurance professional having performed risk & insurance consulting assignments in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the UK, Europe, and USA with extensive insurance broking and advisory experience to major and mid-size international, national and local corporations and sporting organisations.

In 1968, John was appointed Manager of an Australian owned national insurance broker and in 1974 he established his own broking firm, Horsell Insurances Pty Ltd, becoming a national entity with branches in all mainland capital cities. Following the acquisition by Alexander and Alexander, now Aon, in 1981 he continued as a director assuming various senior national directorial responsibilities, including global business.

In 1987, John became a consultant to Heath Fielding as the Chairman of The Fielding Consultants,  then moving on to establish Horsell International Pty Ltd as an Australian owned competitor to the international foreign mega brokers.

Gavan Duffy

Founder/Managing Director

Gavan has more than 30 years’ experience in the general insurance industry, beginning as a corporate underwriter with NZI Insurance Ltd between 1991 to 1995, then making the transition to Corporate broker in roles ranging from account director to divisional director responsible for some of the largest corporate, sporting and international clients in Australia with international brokers (Aon & Heath Lambert) between 1995 to 2004.

In 2005 Gavan joined Horsell International as NSW Broker Manager responsible for all broking and placement operations in NSW. Over the course of Gavan’s career, he has developed specialty experience in institutional property, construction, transport and logistics, Medical malpractice and winery risks.

In 2012 Gavan joined Horsell Duffy Langley as Executive Director responsible for management and service of the broking operations of the firm.

In 2021 Gavan was appointed Managing Director of Horsell Duffy Langley.

Andrew Langley

Consultant

Andrew has more than 50 years’ experience as an insurance broker, having commenced his career in 1968.  Following a distinguished and varied career with international brokers, Howden’s/Alexander & Alexander (now Aon), Andrew, in 1987, became a consultant to Heath Fielding as a Director of The Fielding Consultants.  Andrew subsequently joined the board of Heath Fielding Australia and during his 9 years with the group, was appointed NSW Managing Director and was instrumental in developing a number of Corporate accounts.

In 1996, Andrew joined Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) as a director where he remained for fourteen (14) years, during which time he was responsible for a number of large Australian companies including Woolworths, George Weston, Pacific National, Cement Australia, James Hardie and Boral. His role involved the design, placement and service responsibilities for these accounts as well as his contribution to the Group at Board level.

In November 2013 Andrew took on the role as Chairman of Horsell Duffy Langley, to assist the company during its rapid expansion.  In 2021 Andrew decided to retire from executive duties, however continues to provide consulting services to HDL in a leadership capacity.