Cooper Gay launches MENA unit
Broker Cooper Gay Swett & Crawford (CGSC) has launched a division covering the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
The launch represents CGSC’s first foray into MENA, with further expansion planned for the future.
Cooper Gay (Dubai), a wholly owned subsidiary of Cooper Gay Holdings, will be based in the Dubai International Financial Centre.
The company will handle all classes of business in conjunction with the group's wholesale operations in London, Asia and around the globe, will structure treaty and facultative solutions for regional and multinational insurance companies. It will also work with third party brokers across the MENA region.
In Su (Andy) Chang has been appointed senior executive officer. Chang joined Cooper Gay Asia in September 2013 to develop the company’s business in Singapore and identifying opportunities across the MENA region.
Toby Esser, CGSC group chief executive officer (CEO), said: “The insurance industry in the MENA region is undergoing significant transformation and has demonstrated impressive growth in recent years. We believe that there is tremendous potential for CGSC, particularly following Lloyd’s plans, announced earlier this year, to open a representative office in the emirate.
“The CGSC model places local experts in core client markets. With Dubai, specifically the DIFC, fast becoming a major regional hub for insurance and reinsurance we are now committed to this vibrant region for the long term.”
Steve Britten, CEO, Cooper Gay Asia Pacific & MENA, said: “CGSC sees MENA developing to be a significant contributor to our global business. By utilising Andy Chang’s considerable experience and in-depth regional knowledge, which also complements our existing Asia and London teams, we aim to identify significant growth generating opportunities for Cooper Gay in the region.”
