Southampton: Gallagher invests in public sector insurance expertise

Gallagher has invested in its public sector insurance expertise, with the appointment of Alex Ross, who joins as account director in the insurance broker’s Southampton office. 

Ross will report into Mark Whittingham, who leads Gallagher’s public sector team in Southampton, located at Yeoman Industrial Park on Test Lane. The team supports a large portfolio of clients with their insurance and risk management requirements, including blue-light organisations, local authorities, central government departments and agencies, public buildings, and not-for-profit organisations.

In his new role, Ross will partner with public sector clients, focusing on central government departments and agencies, local authorities and NHS foundation trusts, to manage their risk exposures and provide them with tailored insurance and risk management solutions, as well as developing new business opportunities.

Bringing more than 15 years’ experience, Ross joins from broker Willis Towers Watson, where he was most recently account director within its public sector practice, supporting a portfolio of public sector and education clients.

Commenting on his appointment, Ross said: “NHS foundation trusts, local authorities, public sector organisations and their employees have been on the frontline in the battle against covid-19 over the past year. As activities and services continue to shift in response to the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, clients need a specialist insurance broker who understands their organisation and can help them navigate the changing risks facing them.

“We already partner with some of the UK’s largest public sector organisations, and my focus is to continue to build on the positive growth Gallagher has achieved in recent years, through nurturing existing client relationships, reviewing our current offering, as well as taking our proposition out to new clients.”

Whittingham added: “Alex is a fantastic addition to our specialist team in Southampton, as we look to further strengthen our capabilities in the public sector insurance space. His technical expertise, in-depth sector knowledge and impressive track record of building strong relationships will enable us to build out our client-focused proposition.

“Bringing Alex on board reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in top talent to support our expanding client base with their risk profiles and requirements, and I am very pleased to be able to welcome him to the team.”