DIFC SEO & HNW Distribution Lead

FWD Insurance; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

FWD Group in Dubai seeks a Senior Executive Officer for DIFC/DFSA alignment and a high-impact HNW distribution leader. The role combines regulatory responsibility with commercial leadership to grow APE/VNB through banks, brokers and family offices in the Middle East.

You will manage regulatory compliance, governance and the local team, while driving market plans, partner onboarding and cross‑functional collaboration with Underwriting, Legal and Finance.

Qualifications

• Senior HNW/UHNW life insurance, wealth management or private-banking leader with a strong distribution and origination track record in the Middle East.
• DFSA fit-and-proper credentials or ability to be approved for a DIFC-regulated firm.
• Minimum 10–15 years’ relevant experience with 5+ years in distribution leadership and a regional network.
• Understanding of complex case structuring, trusts, policy ownership, premium financing, underwriting and end-to-end case management.
• UAE residency or willingness to relocate to UAE; degree in business or related discipline; professional qualifications an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Formulate and execute the HNW distribution strategy and business plan for the Middle East, with clear priorities by market, channel and partner.
• Own delivery of the region’s APE and VNB targets, pipeline conversion and margin outcomes, reporting production and forecast to the Head of Distribution, International Markets.
• Act as a quota-carrying, producing leader — personally originating and holding senior relationships while building the local team to scale coverage.
• Build and deepen senior relationships with private banks, international brokers, EAMs, trustees and single- and multi-family offices across the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.
• Lead partner segmentation, engagement planning and joint business development, and drive insurer onboarding, credit and product-approval processes with priority partners.
• Recruit, lead and develop the Dubai distribution and support team as the entity scales, setting clear account ownership, activity standards and performance expectations.
• Partner with Underwriting and Case Management to hold the Dubai window, improve case conversion and turnaround, and deliver a seamless broker and adviser experience.
• Provide market input into product development, underwriting appetite and service propositions to keep the Middle East offering competitive and relevant.

Skills

HNW distribution leadership

Regulatory liaison

Relationship management

People leadership

English fluency

Education

University degree in business or related discipline

Job description

FWD Group in Dubai seeks a Senior Executive Officer for DIFC/DFSA alignment and a high-impact HNW distribution leader. The role combines regulatory responsibility with commercial leadership to grow APE/VNB through banks, brokers and family offices in the Middle East.

You will manage regulatory compliance, governance and the local team, while driving market plans, partner onboarding and cross‑functional collaboration with Underwriting, Legal and Finance.