Miller mines Willis Towers Watson to launch ‘highly specialist’ insurance line

Specialist re/insurance broker  Miller has expanded into a new specialised line of business, hiring a whole team from Willis Towers Watson, in a move aimed at “significantly developing new capabilities“ to drive business growth.

The company has launched a new dedicated bloodstock and livestock team to develop, manage and produce a comprehensive range of products to support the insurance needs of livestock producers and owners worldwide, with a particular focus on the UK, North America, Australia and Asia.

In addition to focusing on traditional livestock producers, the team will target exotic animal owners, such as aquariums, game parks and zoos, where it has significant expertise.

The team will be led by Archie Horne and report to Katie Small, head of private clients.

Horne, who has taken up the role of head of bloodstock & livestock, joins from Willis Towers Watson, where for his last two-and-a-half years he held the same position, and brings expert knowledge and technical expertise to this highly specialised line of business.

He is joined by Florence Crowhurst, who assumes the role of account executive, Harry Findlay and Ben Roe, who both join as account handlers/brokers.

All new hires most recently held positions in Willis Towers Watson’s bloodstock and livestock team.

Small said: “In this highly specialist insurance field, clients require informed advice and we are pleased to launch a team that has deep expertise at its core, led by Archie, whose career has spanned working on stud farms in Australia, racing yards in England and being a member of the Queen’s Life Guard.

“The team brings a strong technical understanding of all aspects of this class, and we see natural synergies with our Private Clients and Sports & Entertainment teams and will be working closely together to serve the needs of all our clients. We welcome Archie, Florence, Harry and Ben to Miller and look forward to successfully establishing another leading specialist offering.”

Horne added: “I am absolutely delighted to have joined Miller. It is investing significantly in developing new capabilities and its innovative approach is impressive. I’m joined by three highly capable colleagues: Florence, who has worked in the bloodstock and livestock industries in the UK, France and Argentina; Harry, who ran a dairy farm in Scotland; and Ben, who has dedicated market experience. Working together, we look forward to drawing on our combined skills, experience and expertise to grow the business.”

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