Gallagher appoints UK Midlands, North and Scotland lead

Global insurance broker Gallagher has appointed Peter Matthews as managing director of the north, incorporating the Midlands and North regions of England, plus Scotland. The enlargement of his role follows the significant expansion of Gallagher’s regional branch network over the last year. In his new role, Matthews has responsibility for 20 offices, 600 employees and in excess of circa £500 million GWP.

The regional network, part of Gallagher’s UK Retail Division, has grown to over 70 branches following a number of acquisitions. The most recent of these was Stackhouse Poland, which added additional branches to the network last year in areas including the North West, South West and South East.

Matthews has over 30 years insurance experience and joined Gallagher in 2014 to lead the Midlands region, following the acquisition of Oval in 2014, where he held a similar role. Prior to joining Oval, Matthews worked for Marsh heading up a number of regional branches.

Offices across the network look after a diverse portfolio of clients ranging from large corporate organisations through to SMEs. The business also operates specialist divisions including construction, charities and care and trade credit, which are all managed within the North Division. Gallagher is currently recruiting for new joiners in a number of locations.

Commenting on his new role, Peter Matthews said: “I am delighted to be expanding my responsibilities and look forward to working with the talented Gallagher team across the Midlands, North and Scotland.

“Gallagher has grown to become the largest community broker in the UK and we place a great deal of focus on working closely with our clients, understanding their individual needs, and ensuring they have the right insurance and risk advice. We believe this can be done most effectively through on the ground experience and local knowledge.”

Michael Rea, CEO of Gallagher UK Retail, added: “Peter has played an important role in my leadership team since joining and we start 2020 with significant organic and inorganic growth opportunities. We are continuing to invest in, and build our regional presence and capabilities, and Peter will make an excellent leader for the teams in the Midlands, North and Scotland. With Peter’s energy and enthusiastic and client focus, Gallagher is well placed to deliver our growth aspirations.”