Corporate brokerage Lockton has launched a New Zealand operation, Lockton Companies NZ Limited Partnership, to establish new client servicing standards for risk and insurance in the national market. The new firm has risk and insurance advisors located in Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch, with short- to medium-term plans to expand further across both islands, with the objective to double the New Zealand team by the end of the year. Employees at the new operation are working remotely under current government lockdown regulations in New Zealand. The team is led by Melanie Harding as chief operations officer, while Niall Martin serves as head of employee benefits with 20 years’ experience in managing and providing employee benefits to corporate clients in Ireland and New Zealand. In addition, Jessica Schade has been named as head of captive and alternative risk transfer, with over a decade of experience in forming and managing captive insurance companies for New Zealand and Australian businesses. Finally, Ged McCombie has been appointed as head of Pacific, where he will be responsible for providing client-focused broking services and risk solution capabilities in the region. Paul Marsden, CEO of Lockton Companies Australia, comments: “The decision to expand into New Zealand and open an office in Auckland was a logical next step for Lockton as we continue to expand our global reach in markets where we know we can make the greatest difference.” “We do this by providing consistent and unmatched service to all of our clients, and championing risk-led conversations, rather than just insurance,” he explains.
