Gallagher Re mulls major expansion in Netherlands with swoop for former Aon stars

Global reinsurance broker  Gallagher Re is looking to significantly enlarge its European footprint with ambitious growth plans in the Netherlands for both the business and talent. The company has recruited a Dutch re/insurance market veteran who previously served as CEO Aon Benfield Netherlands for 11 years and a senior broking specialist from Amwins Re to drive expansion in an “important European market with significant potential”.

Bob Reichenfeld (Pictured Right) joins Gallagher Re as managing director of the Netherlands, and Jord Westerloo (Pictured Left) as divisional director, with effect from January 2023. As head of the Dutch office, Reichenfeld will succeed chairman Gerrit Van Emst who is preparing to retire during the first half of 2023.

Reichenfeld has extensive reinsurance leadership experience from both the broking and carrier perspective, having first been managing director of reinsurance at Delta Lloyd in 2000 before moving into broking and taking the helm at various specialist reinsurance intermediaries in the Netherlands. Most recently, he served as an executive director at Amwins Re. Prior to that, he was CEO of Netherlands at Aon Benfield for 11 years.

Westerloo joins from Amwins Re with in-depth reinsurance broking experience and specialist knowledge of the Dutch insurance and reinsurance market, having previously worked as a reinsurance broker for Aon.

Maya Popovic, managing director at Gallagher Re, said: “We are delighted to be strengthening our talented team in the Netherlands with the insight and experience that Bob and Jord will bring to colleagues and clients alike. In Bob we have found the ideal successor to Gerrit, who will begin enjoying his well-deserved retirement during the first half of 2023 while ensuring a smooth leadership transition.

“It’s clear the current mix of market pressures has created a challenging trading environment, where clients increasingly need our counsel, support and strong advocacy, just as much as transactional excellence. So we will continue to invest in the depth and capability of our regional teams to best serve evolving client requirements. We look forward to welcoming Bob and Jord in the new year.”

Dirk Spenner, managing director, head of EMEA North & East at Gallagher Re, added: “As an important European market with significant potential to enlarge our footprint, we have ambitious growth plans in the Netherlands for both our business and our people. By investing in local talent and market expertise, we will grow together with our clients.”