Lloyd's broker AFL hires Price Forbes exec to head up LatAm desk

Independent Lloyd’s broker AFL Insurance Brokers has hired Pilar Villanueva as head of its Latin America desk.

Villanueva is a former divisional director at Willis, and was, most recently, account executive at Price Forbes & Partners. She started her career in insurance in 1997 and has amassed expertise with clients and markets throughout Latin America and globally, across property and casualty specialisms.

Villanueva said: “I’m so pleased to be joining the family here at AFL to assist with the development of Latin American property and casualty business. Throughout my career I have particularly enjoyed developing relationships with regional offices, independent brokers and markets in Latin America.

“AFL understood completely what I wanted to do, and I’m particularly happy to once again be harnessing my language and inter-personal skills to assist and understand Latin American and Spanish-speaking clients, and to prove that language is not a barrier but an asset.”

AFL chairman Toby Esser added: “Latin American market is a high growth market, where local knowledge and relationships are essential for success. I’m delighted that Pilar has joined our team and can put her significant experience supporting regional brokers and markets to the best use.”

AFL CEO Jonathan Bines said: “I’m thrilled that a linguist of Pilar’s experience, with skills across departments and regions, is now part of the AFL team. As we continue to grow our global presence, hiring the right people absolutely remains our prime focus. Adding individuals with the expertise and insight to deliver excellent service to our international clients at all times is vital to fulfilling our ambitions as a well-established and growing independent broker.”