Gallagher launches new bloodstock, livestock and aquaculture practice

Insurer Gallagher has added a new London-based bloodstock, livestock and aquaculture practice to its UK specialty division; the eight-strong team joins from Willis Towers Watson.

The new practice, led by managing director Sophie Chambers and divisional director Dan Fairweather, will have responsibility for global clients.

This is the first time Gallagher has implemented a team in this line of business.

John Thompson, head of business development in Gallagher’s speciality division, said: “Last year we identified an opportunity for Gallagher to develop a unique global bloodstock, livestock and aquaculture practice and I’m delighted to welcome this highly skilled new team to the business.

“The London-based team will support clients globally and are demonstrative of the talent pool in the London market, which we can draw on for the benefit of our clients across the world.

“Investing in talent is an important part of our long-term strategy and it’s fantastic to be able to offer a brand-new sector specialism.”

Understanding client needs

For the past six years, Chambers worked as director, global asset protection at Willis Towers Watson, with responsibility for bloodstock. Prior to this, she spent nine years as divisional director at farm and estate broker Lycetts.

Chambers has more than 30 years of bloodstock industry experience and will work primarily with these clients.

Fairweather’s main focus, on the other hand, will be supporting aquaculture and livestock clients.

He has worked at Willis Towers Watson for the past seven years as a divisional director; he has specialist aquaculture underwriting experience following a six-year tenure at RSA.

Chambers said: “I am impressed by Gallagher’s approach of putting clients front and centre and employing sector specialists who know and understand their clients’ needs.

“Gallagher already has a strong client base in sports and adding bloodstock is a natural extension of this.

“I am passionate about the sectors we support and as part of Gallagher I believe we can continue to develop our client base further and provide innovative solutions that will appeal to the bloodstock, farming and aquaculture industries.”