On The Move: Baxter Southern, David Wechsler
Baxter Southern, Howden US Specialty
Howden US Specialty LLC has recently hired Baxter Southern as US Practice Head of Marine. Southern enters his position at Howden with nearly 30 years of experience in maritime insurance, having worked with vessel operators, shipbuilders, terminals, contractors, charterers and shippers both in the United States and internationally. Southern will join Howden’s Marine, Cargo & Logistics division.
“Expanding into the U.S. market marks a major milestone for Howden,” said Daniel Whiteside, global practice leader for Marine, Cargo & Logistics. “With Baxter leading our marine charge in the U.S., we’re strengthening a global practice, which includes over 415 specialists across 34 countries. Baxter’s expertise and leadership make him the ideal choice to drive our U.S. marine ambition to be the broker of choice for both clients and insurance practitioners, underpinned by placement expertise, deep industry knowledge and, not least, service.”
Southern joins Howden after 20 years serving with McGriff Insurance Services as managing executive and president. He received a bachelor’s degree in computer and political science from Vanderbilt University and a master of business administration from St. Louis University.
“I’m very honored and excited to be part of Howden US,” Southern said. “The entire marine team is excited about our role in building the firm. When you have great leadership, great values and are focused on doing the best for your clients, success seems inevitable.”
Founded in 1994, global insurer Howden has operated in the United States for more than a decade through DUAL, one of the world’s largest international managing general agents, and through Howden Re, one of only four global reinsurance brokers. Howden has supported U.S.-domiciled clients as their wholesale broker in international markets with more than $18 billion of U.S. premiums negotiated at present.
David Wechsler, ABS Group
ABS Group of Companies (ABS Group) has hired David Wechsler as the conpany’s new chief executive officer.
Wechsler was a founding partner and the senior vice president of Hitachi Consulting, now known as Hitachi Vantara, an international consulting firm based in Dallas, Texas. Wechsler brings his experience in management consulting, operations and sales to the ABS team after serving 30 years with Hitachi.
“David brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record that aligns well with the vision of ABS Group,” said Christopher J. Wiernicki, chairman and CEO of ABS. “A seasoned leader, he has been involved in more than a dozen acquisitions throughout his career, an invaluable asset as we look to grow. His understanding of mergers and strategic growth, coupled with a commitment to innovation, positions ABS Group for exciting opportunities on the horizon.”
Wechsler has experience serving clients across multiple industries, including automotive, manufacturing and consumer products. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from the University of Illinois Chicago and has spearheaded the growth of consulting practices and company operations throughout his career.
ABS Group, headquartered in Spring, Texas, specializes in international risk management and certification services. The company was named one of the world’s best consulting management firms in 2024 and 2025 and includes more than 1,200 employees serving in a variety of sectors, including in marine, offshore, government and industrial roles. ABS Group is made up of ABSG Consulting Inc. (ABS Consulting) as well as ABS Quality Evaluations (ABS QE). ABS Group is a subsidiary of ABS, specializing in marine and offshore classification.
