Gallagher adds sports expert to specialty division

Broker  Gallagher has hired Karen Ellis to join its specialty division as head of its sports practice to further expand its sports expertise.

Ellis will be responsible for developing new sports business and supporting clients with their risk management and insurance needs. The appointment is the latest addition to the team following a number of appointments in 2019, including broadcaster Jill Douglas, who joined in September.

Ellis founded Ellis Clowes in 2010, and established it as an independent Lloyd’s broker specialising in high risk sports, plus companies operating in high risk territories across the globe. During her career, Ellis has managed some of the largest and most complex sporting claims on behalf of global clients.

John Thompson, head of business development, Gallagher’s Specialty division, said: “Karen has a wealth of relevant experience including managing specialist teams and bringing together pools of talent so was the perfect choice for this role. We employ best in class brokers in all major sports and we are delighted to welcome Karen and add to our knowledge in this sector.”

Ellis commented: “Gallagher is a business I have long admired so I am delighted to join to head up its specialty sports team. With its existing talent and client focused culture, plus demonstrable commitment to sport through its Premiership Rugby title partnership, I believe there is a compelling opportunity to add further value and growth. My specialty is motorsports and I am looking forward to developing our client offering both within this area, and to wider sporting clients to meet the needs of a diverse portfolio of clients.”