Gallagher appoints new chief executive for M&A and private equity client practice

Gallagher has appointed Alistair Lester as chief executive of its private equity and M&A client practice.

In his new role, he will lead the firm’s existing transactional risks teams in the UK, Europe and Middle East and oversee the expansion of the practice.

“The role of risk and insurance professionals in private equity and M&A transactions has grown exponentially in recent years,” Lester said.

“Gallagher’s existing team is well established and I am looking forward to working with them to build our presence in other key markets and further expand our solutions and services for clients.”

Experience

Lester has nearly 30 years of industry experience and specialises in M&A and post deal value creation for corporate clients, as well as private equity and other alternative asset managers.

He joins Gallagher from Aon, where he has worked for the last eight years, most recently as global co-chief executive of M&A and transactional propositions.

In his new role, Lester will report to Michael Rea, chief executive of Gallagher’s broking business in the UK.

Rea said: “Lester is one of the most experienced and respected private equity and M&A practitioners in the market and he brings a track record of managing global teams and delivering revenue growth.

“He will lead our existing talented transactional risks team across our UK specialty division, as well as teams based in regional hubs across Europe and the Middle East.

“He will work closely with colleagues across the Americas, Australia and Asia as we develop the global Gallagher private equity and M&A practice.”