Gallagher appoints chief executive to head up Alesco and London market businesses

Gallagher has today announced John Thompson as chief executive of its UK specialty London market and wholesale businesses, having held the position on an interim basis since September 2018. 

Thompson has 38 years of industry experience, and joined Gallagher in 2014 as managing partner for construction. Gallagher says the division has quadrupled in size since then and in 2017 his role expanded to include responsibility for the 60-strong energy division.

In his new role Thompson will assume UK executive committee level responsibility for both the Gallagher London market specialist broking business and the separate Alesco wholesale business.

He will oversee London market specialty operations and work with the business’ divisional directors to build out the company’s specialty offering and specialist broking teams.

Simon Matson, chief executive of Gallagher’s UK broking and underwriting business, said: “John is an outstanding broker, exceptional people leader and operates with absolute integrity at all times, all of which make him the perfect candidate for this role

“We have an enviable London market specialty offering and under John’s leadership I know our teams will continue to grow and achieve even bigger and better things in the future.”

Gallagher confirmed there will be no changes to the legal entities that sit behind the two businesses, and that they will remain distinct of one another.

Speaking of his appointment, Thompson added: “There is no area of risk management that our specialist broking teams cannot advise on for any client, anywhere in the world and that is a fact I am incredibly proud of.

“It is a real point of difference for our business and I look forward to working with our exceptional leaders and brokers as we continue to grow our capabilities and become the risk partner of choice for expert advice that will help our clients face their future with confidence.”