Willis Direct & Facultative (D&F) announces the expansion of its global property and casualty (P&C) placement hubs with the addition of new strategic locations in Dubai and Madrid. The expansion aims to provide clients with access to the global insurance market through a single point of contact, supported by product, placement, analytics and claims expertise. Operating as one global D&F team, the structure matches risks to the most suitable market through local, wholesale or facultative brokers, delivering access to more than 400 insurance markets worldwide. Following the expansion, the firm’s wholesale market hubs span London, Madrid, Bermuda, Miami, Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong and Shanghai. Garret Gaughan, global head of direct and facultative at Willis, says: “We’re delighted to announce the addition of two further global hubs. We recognise that clients are increasingly seeking to complement traditional market access with the competitive advantages offered by emerging and established international marketplaces”. Gaughan adds: “Expanding our global hubs enables us to meet this demand, positioning us closer to the talent, expertise and cultural dynamics that define these local markets. Madrid naturally strengthens our connectivity with Latin America, while Dubai enhances our reach across the broader Middle East region”. He concludes: “By deepening our global footprint and strengthening cross?market collaboration, we ensure clients benefit from the most competitive, future?focused solutions available, wherever they are in the world”. Eleni Lykoudi, head of Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEEMEA) at Willis, comments: “This reflects our commitment to strengthening our regional presence, enhancing service capabilities for our clients and supporting long-term growth. This matches the extensive opportunity we see across the CEEMEA region”. Ivan Sainz, head of Spain at Willis, notes that the expansion in Madrid allows the firm to better support clients by drawing on multi-industry insights and experience. He adds: “Applying lessons learned in one market to challenges emerging in another strengthens our ability to respond to complex and evolving risk needs. This reflects the significance of the Madrid and broader Spanish marketplace and how it will be a critical international access point of the future”.
