Marsh hires WTW talent to build affinity and special risks practice

Broker Marsh plans to build its affinity and special risks offering as a single dedicated practice in France with the hiring of senior leaders from Willis Towers Watson.

The practice will be led by Olivier Porte, who will join Marsh in early 2021 from Gras Savoye Willis Towers Watson where he has held several senior roles, most recently as head of affinity & specialised Markets. He has previously worked at AXA and Aon France.

Porte will be based in Paris and, as director of the affinity & special risks practice, report to Fabrice Domange, CEO of Marsh France.

The broker also announced the appointment of Laurent Cellot as deputy director of the practice, based in Paris and reporting to Porte.

Cellot will also join Marsh from Gras Savoye Willis Towers Watson, where he was sales and technical director in the sports & events practice, in early 2021.

Domange said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many organisations’ ability to connect with their most important stakeholders and has had a devastating impact on professional sports and large events. By building our affinity and special risks offering as a single dedicated practice, we will be able to provide clients with the solutions they need to manage risk more effectively in these uncertain economic times.

"As two recognized industry leaders, I am delighted to welcome Olivier and Laurent to Marsh to lead the team.”

Porte commented: “Affinity solutions can help organizsations enhance relationships, create additional value, and foster greater loyalty with the clients, members or franchisees. I look forward to bringing the best of Marsh from around the world for the benefit of our affinity clients across France.”

Cellot added: “As we look towards recovery from the effects of COVID-19 on our economy and society, sports and event organisations are cautiously optimistic about their prospects for 2021. With Marsh’s long tradition of working on major events globally, I am excited to be joining Marsh where we will be able to make sure clients can access market-leading risk and insurance options.”