Howden Re Inspire: Meet Michelle To
In our Howden Re Inspire series, we are proud to showcase our amazing team.
It’s important to us that the businesses and divisions within Howden Re reflect and contribute to the culture that we at Howden are so proud of. We are a global business with an entrepreneurial mindset, and we put our people first in everything we do. We value independent thinkers, celebrate different perspectives and experiences, and strive to make Howden a great place to work.
Our collaborative approach and collective power make us an industry leader, but it’s our people who make it possible!
Whether they’re forging a unique path in or outside business, leading the way on community impact, giving back, or D&I initiatives, or demonstrating what it takes to make a difference, we are proud to introduce you to our team.
Be Inspired by: Michelle To, Head of Business Intelligence, Howden Re
Michelle To, Managing Director and Head of Business Intelligence, joined Howden Re in 2020 to build our Business Intelligence capabilities and to create Nova – an industry-first platform. Her team sits at the intersection of financial insight and technology and is responsible for many of Howden Re’s reports, as Nova transforms complex market data into practical, user-friendly tools for the insurance industry.
Now, Michelle has been selected as one of Business Insurance’s 2025 Women to Watch EMEA, with the awards taking place in November.
This award honours the achievements of outstanding female leaders in insurance and risk management, recognising their contributions in the industry.
Michelle’s award acknowledges her exceptional leadership throughout her career and the accomplishments she and the Business Intelligence team have over the past year.
“Though I began my career in financial analysis, my role today is as much about building digital products as it is interpreting numbers,” said Michelle. “My core focus is translating complex financial and market challenges into scalable digital solutions, reshaping how data is accessed, interpreted, and applied across the London Market.”
Under Michelle’s leadership, the Business Intelligence team supports client engagements in underwriting, reinsurance purchasing, credit risk, capital raising, and strategic planning.
They also created the industry-first platform Nova, which powers Howden Re’s data across more than 250 insurance carriers and integrates over 300 external data sources.
“Nova began with two people and has since grown into a more than 25-person development team and a seven-person analytics function, delivering actionable insights and transformative value across the market,” Michelle said.
Nova combines unique datasets, including proprietary Howden pricing, placement data, loss trends, regulatory submissions, and broader market financials – to give users a comprehensive view of the insurance market and its drivers.
David Flandro, Head of Industry Analysis and Strategic Advisory at Howden Re, works closely with Michelle describes her as “the most capable, innovative and driven individual” he has encountered in her field.
“When I joined Howden Re, Michelle was my first call,” said David. “I knew that building the sector’s leading business intelligence capability was an essential strategic priority; I knew Michelle was the only person who could deliver it.”
Among her team’s accomplishments is the expansion of our data science capabilities, including the development a machine learning tool built specifically for insurance professionals.
“Collaborating with engineers and technical leads has given me a fresh perspective on how smart technology can help solve complex challenges in the sector,” Michelle said.
This year, Michelle welcomed her first child and navigated the transition into motherhood while remaining engaged with Nova’s key milestones and client work – demonstrating that flexibility is not a barrier to meaningful impact.
“Navigating this period required adaptability, prioritisation, and a renewed understanding of leadership,” said Michelle. “I have been fortunate to be supported by exceptional mentors, especially David Flandro, and I am committed to offering the same support to others, particularly younger women.”
Michelle will receive her award in December and will be profiled for the December issue of Business Insurance.