Peter Blanc reveals Gallagher UK retail team

Arthur J Gallagher retail chief executive Peter Blanc has unveiled the structure of his new team and its top managers.

Giles, Oval and Belmont International – the retail brokers Gallagher bought in September, November, and April – have been organised into 11 geographic regions and six national practice areas.

Meanwhile, all 48 Gallagher Heath and Giles branches will be rebranded as Arthur J Gallagher this month. Oval and Belmont branches will follow suit “as soon as is practically possible”, Gallagher said.

Each of the 11 UK geographic territories will be led by a regional managing director, with full accountability for the performance of their business. Similarly, each of the specialist practices will have a national leader, responsible for bringing together industry expertise from across the regions to create sector-specific propositions and products to maximise opportunities for organic growth.

Blanc, previously Oval chief executive, said: “With the transformational acquisitions of Oval and Giles building on Arthur J Gallagher’s first strategic expansion into the UK regions when it successfully completed the Heath Lambert deal in 2011, our UK retail regional broking platform is complete.

“Our priority now is the effective integration of all our retail businesses to maximise the exceptional inherent growth opportunities and the breadth and depth of competitive advantage we can drive for clients.

“This new structure, occurring as it does alongside a comprehensive rebranding programme, will realise the full potential of Arthur J Gallagher’s scale, scope and specialisms. By bringing together all three UK-focused commercial businesses under a single and highly experienced team, we can continue to deliver great support and service for our clients, people and insurer partners, underpinned by consistent and profitable growth.” 

UK regional managing directors

Islands (Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man) — Clive De La Cour

Scotland — Paul Kerry

Northern Ireland — Shane Matthews

North East — Jon Simpkin

North West — Paula Williams

Midlands— Peter Matthews

Central (& part London) — Paul Dickson

East — David Anderson

South West — Gary Fletcher

Wales — Mike Jones

London and south — David Knowles

National practice leaders:

Real estate, public sector & education and credit & surety — Nick Sharp

Transportation — David Hinton

Not-for-profit, health & care and financial lines — Sean Finnegan

Major risks – Alan Pratten

Networks – John Lincoln

Broking and placement – Darren Rowe

Operating committee:

Chairman — John Durkin

Chief executive officer — Peter Blanc

Chief operating officer — Simon Pearce

Commercial director — Patrick O’Connell

National development director — Andy Smallwood

Finance director — Kevin Withington