Marsh expands team to tackle aviation challenges amidst pandemic

Broker Marsh has expanded its aviation practice with senior hires from Gallagher and UIB, as it seeks to better serve clients that are re-evaluating their business models to build resilience to future crisis after the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Mark Walters has joined as a managing director within the UK aviation practice. He was previously employed by Marsh from 1990-2009 and returns to the business from Gallagher, where he was an executive director in the aviation division for five years.

Based in London, Walters will provide senior insurance and risk advisory services to Marsh JLT Specialty’s UK aviation and aerospace clients, which includes many of the sector’s leading airlines, airports, manufacturers, and ancillary providers. He will report to Andy Smith, UK chairman and CEO, aviation, Marsh JLT Specialty.

Paul Rogers will join Marsh on November 1 as a senior vice president to support the development of the UK practice’s sales proposition. He will report to David George, UK managing director and product line leader for airlines.

Rogers has more than 40 years’ aviation insurance industry experience, most recently as a director in Gallagher’s aviation division, and was the founding partner and managing director of dedicated aviation and aerospace insurance broker ARAIC.

Lastly, Andrew Walker will join Marsh in March 2021 as a senior vice president within the UK airline team. Walker was most recently a divisional director at UIB for 16 years, specialising in airline portfolios, and has worked in the aviation insurance industry for over 25 years. He will report to Steve Haslam, senior vice president, UK aviation, Marsh JLT Specialty.

Smith said: “The global aviation industry has been particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic; many organisations are re-evaluating their business models and are seeking new ways to build their resilience to future shocks. Mark, Paul and Andrew will play key roles in supporting our UK clients as the sector works towards recovery.”

Walters added: “I look forward to working with Marsh’s colleagues in the UK and globally to further develop our risk and insurance capabilities in the aviation and aerospace sector, and assist clients in responding to the challenges they face during this difficult time.”