Gallagher appoints Hassan Ashtari as senior executive officer (SEO) of its joint venture with Artex in the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), which provides alternative risk and captive management services across the Middle East. In his new capacity, Ashtari leads the expansion of the ADGM operation, manages key client relationships and oversees the team. He also retains his existing role as chief client officer for Gallagher’s Middle East and Africa specialty and facultative reinsurance broking business, a position he has held since 2024. Ashtari brings two decades of experience in designing and delivering local, regional and international (re)insurance programmes for multinational entities across the Middle East. Gallagher and Artex, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gallagher, have been collaborating on alternative risk and captive management services in the region since 2024. Commenting on his new role, Ashtari says: “The expansion of my role to work across both teams is a fantastic opportunity and will ensure clients can access the best possible insurance solutions for their needs, be that a captive or more traditional insurance products and services. With many complex multinational firms operating in the region our team can provide holistic advice and solutions to any range of risks that firms need to manage”. Paul Eaton, CEO of Artex EMEA, adds: “I’m delighted that Hassan has taken on this role in the local market, which reflects both Artex and Gallagher’s commitment to enhancing our client offering for alternative risk solutions whilst strengthening our presence in the region. We believe there is real appetite and strong growth opportunities for our professional range of services, spanning the full cycle of the captive life from feasibility to management, and run off”. Gallagher employs more than 100 specialty, facultative and treaty risk professionals in the Middle East region, covering sectors including aerospace, construction, marine, energy, and financial lines.
