Lockton NZ unit launched

Lockton has launched its New Zealand unit and recruited a leading captives expert as one of its key hires.

The world’s largest privately-held insurance brokerage already has risk and insurance advisors in Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch and is targeting further expansion in other locations across the North and South Islands.

Lockton Companies NZ Limited Partnership will be led by Melanie Harding, who joins as chief operations officer, Niall Martin as head of employee benefits, Ged McCombie as head of pacific, and Jessica Schade as head of captive & alternative risk transfer (ART).

Schade joins from Willis Towers Watson New Zealand, where she was practice leader for captives and ART solutions. Before that, she was treasurer at Marsh. She is widely considered the region’s leading captive and ART professionals, said Lockton.

“The decision to expand into New Zealand and open an office in Auckland was a logical next step for Lockton as we continue to expand our global reach in markets where we know we can make the greatest difference. We do this by providing consistent and unmatched service to all of our clients and championing risk-led conversations, rather than just insurance,” says Paul Marsden, Lockton Companies Australia CEO.

The new operations start-up amid the nationwide lockdown in New Zealand. All employees will begin by working remotely.