Gallagher Re names new Australia CEO

Gallagher Re has appointed Heather Bone as Australia CEO and made a number of senior appointments, signalling “ambitious plans” for the local market as the global firm expands following its Willis Re acquisition.

Ms Bone joins from Munich Re where she most recently served as head of strategy, non-life, and has held roles across the life and general insurance industry in Australia and the UK over two decades.

“Heather is an accomplished actuary and experienced leader in the insurance sector, with a proven record of driving business success through building a deep understanding of customer needs,” Gallagher Re Australia Chairman Cameron Green said.

“I have no doubt she will be an invaluable addition to our proposition. This is a very exciting time for our business in Australia.”

Ms Bone will take up her role on March 16, following the addition of a number of other personnel since mid-January.

Peter Button from Allianz, Alessandro Simi from QBE and Andrew Geldart from Vero have been appointed executive directors. Natalie Ewart from CommInsure and Vanessa Hutcheon from Swiss Re have joined as senior account executives.

“Led by Heather, the calibre of the individuals joining Gallagher Re in Australia not only reinforces our already very strong position in the region but sends a signal to the market that we have ambitious plans and clear intentions and there’s more to come,” Mr Green said.

Gallagher Re, headquartered in Rolling Meadows in the US, became the world’s third largest reinsurance broker in December after completing the acquisition of Willis Re. The expanded business has more than 2400 personnel globally and trades from more than 70 offices across 31 countries.

Mr Green says Gallagher Re has a significant local market share, building on strong relationships with licenced insurance companies operating in Australia and New Zealand.

“Gallagher Re in Australia will be able to introduce its clients in Australia and NZ to the market leading cyber specialty team that Gallagher Re had already built before the Willis Re acquisition,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au.

“The expanded Gallagher Re presence in Australia and NZ opens the way to collaborate with other Gallagher businesses in the region for the benefit of our clients.”