The independent insurance broker Lockton has recruited a new Middle East and North Africa CEO, expanded its healthcare team and bolstered its national employee benefits practice.
The Middle East and North Africa unit of Lockton has appointed Tony Saada as its CEO.
He will be responsible for developing and serving Lockton's client base in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Prior to his appointment, Saada spent 27 years at Marsh, most recently as senior executive officer of Bowring Marsh in Dubai.
Wael Khatib, executive chairman of Lockton (MENA), said: "Lockton is committed to providing our clients with the highest standards of service while introducing innovative risk transfer, insurance and reinsurance solutions. Our operation here in the Dubai International Financial Centre delivers that service in one of the region's most influential financial centres and insurance market places.”
“Saada’s appointment will deliver a breadth and depth of experience and expertise that will help us continue to build our business and deliver results.”
In the US, Lockton has added Ross Downing as vice president in its healthcare practice. He will be based in the broker’s Boston office.
In his role, Downing will provide strategic advice to large provider organisations, health systems, accountable care organisations, health plans, and consumer oriented and operated plans.
He will advise clients on an array of issues including innovative risk financing solutions for healthcare organisations that enter into risk-bearing contracts.
Prior to joining Lockton, Downing worked as a vice president at Beecher Carlson in Boston. He has also worked as a financial analyst for Aon Risk Services.
"Downing’s unique expertise in risk financing solutions for alternative care and other health provider organizations is an important addition to our healthcare team." said Tim Ryan, executive vice president and CEO of Lockton Northeast.
Lockton has also expanded its national employee benefits practice with the hire of Liz Vollmar as vice president in the compliance services division.
In her new role, Vollmar is responsible for consulting with Lockton clients on complex employee benefits engagements related to health reform and tax laws, among others.
She previously worked for Willis North America as a vice president and principal employee benefits attorney.
"Vollmar has more than 25 years of outstanding experience as an attorney, and a deep knowledge of health reform and compliance topics. She 'gets' how the reform law impacts the employee benefits landscape and can help guide our clients accordingly," said Ed Fensholt, senior vice president and director of Lockton's compliance services team.
