Gallagher reveals key leadership appointment in national broking & placement team

Insurance broker Gallagher has appointed Simon Collings as managing director of the national broking & placement team within its UK retail division.

He succeeds Mark Armitage, who retired at the end of March after seven years at Gallagher.

In his new role, Collings will oversee Gallagher’s national broking strategy and placement activities, working closely with the regional directors of its 70 branch network. Gallagher’s national broking & placement team is responsible for the placement of corporate UK and international insurance for new and existing clients, managing insurer relationships, as well as product and business development.

With over 30 years’ insurance experience, Collings joined Gallagher in 2017 as market management director for UK retail. Prior to joining Gallagher, he held several senior positions at Marsh, JLT and Miller, in placement roles.

Michael Rea, CEO of Gallagher’s UK retail division, said: “Simon has long-standing insurer relationships and expertise in managing risks for clients from a range of industries, and will play a pivotal role in steering our regional broking and placement teams to deliver insurance solutions that mitigate complex risks facing our clients. Investing in talent is an important part of our long-term growth strategy – and I am very pleased that we have made this key leadership appointment from within our existing team.”

Collings commented: “Having been part of Gallagher since 2017, I’m delighted to have the opportunity now to take the helm of this team, following in the footsteps of Mark Armitage, who has been instrumental in overseeing Gallagher’s strategic placement direction over recent years.

“The ability to broker the best deals for our clients is vital in order to retain and develop new business. I look forward to working with our regional teams to build our existing broking capabilities, strengthen our insurer relationships and develop new products.”