Lockton hires Gallagher and Willis execs in regional growth strategy

Re/insurance broker Lockton has hired senior Gallagher and Willis executives as it it looks to grow its presence across the North of England and Midlands.

Richard Barraclough has been appointed to the position of head of corporate at its Manchester office, and Jane Baron as head of office, Birmingham.

Barraclough has over 30 years’ experience in the corporate insurance broking, most recently as regional managing director of Arthur J Gallagher in Yorkshire, leading its Leeds, Sheffield and Wakefield offices. Prior to that, he led client service teams for Willis Towers Watson and Oval Insurance Brokers.

Barraclough will form part of Lockton’s new North leadership group which will be led by Matt Davies, head of risk solutions North for Lockton. The team will also include David Lee, head of UK regional wholesale; Michael Farrell, head of the Newcastle regional office; and Mike Kay, senior vice president.

Lockton said the team has been formed with the aim to "grow faster, strengthen the quality of its regional service teams and dedicate more time to existing and future clients".

Baron brings over 25 years of industry experience, having worked at Marsh and Willis Towers Watson in senior client management roles. She will oversee Lockton’s key industry sectors, including food and beverage, retail, transportation and real estate.

Davies said: “It is an exciting time for Richard to join Lockton’s Northern leadership team. His extensive experience and deep rooted relationships will help us to continue to exceed the expectations of our clients.

“The new leadership team is already providing excellent executive direction of our client service teams and we are positioned really well to maximise the many existing opportunities and unlock new ones. We look forward to seeing Lockton’s northern offices go from strength to strength.”

Debbie Day, partner at Lockton, Birmingham, added: “I am delighted to welcome Jane to Lockton, Birmingham at a time when we are positioned well for future growth in our established industry specialisms.

"Following signs of a hardening market, we are supporting our clients both in insurance placement and integrated risk management solutions, harnessing both our regional and international market capacity. Working closely with our global technical teams, Lockton Birmingham continues to provide innovative solutions to respond to the ever changing demands of our existing and future clients."

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