Broker announces senior hire as it looks to open new Scottish office

Seventeen Group-owned broker James Hallam has appointed Jamie Johnstone as its new client director.

The broker has made the move as it looks to expand its presence in Scotland, with the firm planning to open a new Edinburgh office.

Johnstone will head up the operation in his new role and work closely with fellow client director Ritchie Sherret. Industry veteran Doug Smith, who holds a variety of chairman roles, will also help out.

“It’s enormously exciting to be returning home to lead the expansion of James Hallam in the east of Scotland,” Johnstone said.

“Having been born and raised in Edinburgh, I have always been extremely passionate about Scottish business and entrepreneurship.

“We have spent some time reconnecting with colleagues and business leaders across the country and it’s been made clear to us that with the ongoing conglomeration of many Scottish broking houses, clients are increasingly facing a drop off in service standards and a slow reactive approach.”

Experience

Johnstone joins from Alesco Risk Management services, where he was most recently a partner. Before this, he spent 11 years at Ardonagh-owned Price Forbes.

He felt that “James Hallam has significant capabilities across the insurance space and we look forward to offering competitive bespoke solutions to businesses”.

“More so, we want to build long lasting relationships based on mutual trust and professionalism with clients that reciprocate these values,” he added.