Gallagher makes senior hire from WTW to lead growth in Asia

Global insurance broker  Gallagher has made two leadership appointments, including a senior hire from Willis Towers Watson, as it looks to “supercharge” its business in Asia.

Thomas Wang (pictured) has joined as chief executive officer (CEO) of North Asia, and Leng Leng Ng will be joining in early 2022 as CEO of Singapore, subject to approval from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS).

Wang has extensive experience in both the Europe and Asia insurance markets. He comes from Funk Group, Germany’s largest independent family-run insurance broker and risk consultant, where he has worked for the last 25 years. As a member of the management board, he was most recently responsible for Funk’s China business and multinationals, focusing on captive brokers in Germany and Austria. In 2002 he became the CEO & managing partner of Funk’s Austrian business.

In his new role  at Gallagher, Wang will take the lead in designing and implementing a growth strategy across North Asia. He will report to Vyvienne Wade, chairperson of global broking in Europe, Middle East, & Asia.

Leng Ng will be responsible for leading further growth in the Singapore office, where Gallagher has had a presence since 2011. Leng Ng brings in-depth local knowledge of business operations and strong insurer relationships. She joins from Willis Towers Watson where since 2016 she has been CEO of Singapore. As a member of Gallagher’s Asia management board, Leng Ng will play an integral role in delivering growth plans across the region and will also report to Wade.

Meanwhile, Dick Heath, currently CEO of Asia will continue in this role, and additionally step up to become executive chairman of Singapore. He will hand over the day-to-day running of operations to Leng Ng and Wang, and will focus on driving strategic development in the region.

Wade said: “I am delighted to welcome two such talented and experienced individuals to Gallagher in Asia. Leng Leng and Thomas’s recruitment demonstrates our continued commitment to recruiting the best talent in the industry and they will both be instrumental to delivering our growth plans for Asia.”

Wang commented: “Having been at Funk for much of my career, moving to a new firm was a big step, but the opportunity to work for a growing global broker like Gallagher, and take a leadership role to deliver its ambitions in Asia, is a powerful combination. I look forward to working with the team to deliver on our growth strategy and bring Gallagher’s risk management and insurance expertise to clients in the wider region.”

Leng Ng added: “ Gallagher’s proposition is all about delivering a great service to clients which I am passionate about, and I am very pleased to join the team at such an exciting time. Gallagher has ambitious growth aspirations in Asia and I look forward to being part of the journey.”

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