American businessman, and the founder and former chief executive of Admiral Group

Henry Allan Engelhardt, born into a Jewish family on January 17, 1958, in Chicago, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the insurance industry. With roots in a family-owned meatpacking business led by his father, Sheldon Arthur Engelhardt, Henry embarked on an academic journey at the University of Michigan, securing a dual degree in journalism and radio, television, and film. He further honed his business acumen with an MBA from Insead in Europe. Engelhardt’s professional ascent began as a key player in founding Churchill Insurance, before establishing the Admiral Group in 1993, achieving a milestone with a management buyout in 1999 that positioned the company within the FTSE 100 Index. By September 2012, the Engelhardt family maintained a significant stake over 14% in Admiral Group. His leadership prowess extended to the U.S. market as CEO of Elephant Insurance Services, an Admiral Group subsidiary, in March 2017. Beyond his business ventures, Engelhardt contributes to sports governance as an independent non-executive director of the Welsh Rugby Union since 2021. His personal life is anchored in Cardiff, Wales, with his wife, Diane Briere de L’isle, and their four children, reflecting a blend of entrepreneurial success and familial commitment.

Henry Allan Engelhardt was born on January 17, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, to a Jewish family. His parents were Annette (née Bernstein) and Sheldon Arthur Engelhardt, who owned a successful meatpacking operation in Chicago. Engelhardt has a sister, Karen Engelhardt Stern, and a brother, Joel Engelhardt.

Engelhardt’s career in the insurance industry is marked by several notable achievements. He was part of the founding team at Churchill Insurance and later launched Admiral Group in 1993. In 1999, he led a management buyout of the business, which subsequently became a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. The Engelhardt family held a significant stake in Admiral Group, owning more than 14% of the company in September 2012. In March 2017, Engelhardt took on the role of CEO of Elephant Insurance Services, a US subsidiary of Admiral Group. Additionally, he was appointed as an independent non-executive director of the Welsh Rugby Union in 2021.

Engelhardt’s career in the insurance industry is marked by several notable achievements. He was part of the founding team at Churchill Insurance and later launched Admiral Group in 1993. In 1999, he led a management buyout of the business, which subsequently became a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.