Lockton Ireland hires new CEO and director from JLT

Independent insurance broker Lockton has appointed Amanda Harton as chief executive officer and director of its Irish business, Lockton Insurance Brokers (Ireland) (LIBI).

Harton will lead LIBI through a period of strategic development and growth during which it will continue to expand its offering to corporate clients with an increased focus on manufacturing, construction and the not-for-profit sectors.

With nearly 20 years’ experience in the industry, Harton joins Lockton from Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) where she was executive director, having spent ten years at the firm. Prior to this, Harton worked at BHP Insurance, Marsh and Frank Glennon.

Harton’s appointment is part of a significant investment in the Dublin office with new recruits across all disciplines of the business arriving over the past few months and further hires to come as part of the strategic development plan.

One of the key priorities of the plan is customer service. In October LIBI brought its claims service handling back in house so that clients’ claims are managed by associates working alongside the broking team to ensure a seamless, speedy and efficient service in the event of a claim.

LIBI has also added in-house risk management resource with risk managers who can work with clients on risk identification and control, helping to reduce the total cost of risk.
The bringing together of a range of services and new talent is core to Lockton’s growth plans in the region.

Harton said: “Joining Lockton is a very exciting opportunity and as a global independent company, we are building something very special. Our culture, structure and independence afford us the opportunity to provide a leading associate focused workplace. I’m delighted to join a fantastic team who will continue to deliver excellence to our Irish clients in the coming months and years.”

Gary Ennis, partner, head of Belfast Office, said: “We are delighted to appoint Amanda as CEO of our Dublin office. With her market experience and expertise, combined with our international teams based in the UK, Europe and the US, she will bring substantial opportunity and growth to our Irish business.”