AJG International lures Towergate COO
Arthur J Gallagher has strengthened the leadership team of its UK-based international brokerage division with the appointment of two executives.
Michael Rea has been appointed chief operating officer (COO) and Carol Richmond has joined as chief risk officer (CRO).
Both will join the organisation’s international brokerage executive committee, led by international chief executive officer (CEO) Grahame Chilton.
Rea joins from Towergate Group, where he served most recently as group chief operating officer and Richmond joins from Aon UK, where she served as CRO and led the transformation of Aon’s risk, compliance and financial crime functions which included establishing a new enterprise risk management (ERM) framework.
In addition, Ian Story has been confirmed as chief financial officer for the international division, another executive committee role and one that he has been fulfilling on an interim basis since February 2015.
Simon Matson, founder and CEO of Alesco Risk Management Services has also been appointed to the executive committee.
Chilton said: “Michael, Carol, Ian and Simon are welcome additions to my executive team. Ian is a first-class CFO so I am delighted he has decided to remain with us here at Gallagher on a permanent basis. It is also important that Simon is on the team as we see real growth opportunities for our independent Alesco business.
“Equally, Michael and Carol are fantastic new hires and demonstrate the quality of the people we are attracting. Michael’s experience in successfully consolidating acquired businesses will be a tremendous asset in the future development of our international strategy, whilst Carol’s insight and understanding of risk management and governance frameworks will be vital in safeguarding the business and that of our customers.
“Collectively, their wealth of expertise and impressive track records of delivering results and driving performance within their respective areas will be a tremendous asset to us as we execute our strategic growth ambitions.”
