Lockton opened a Wellington office on Tuesday, expanding its presence in New Zealand, alongside the appointments of two experienced insurance professionals.
The broker has appointed Felix Ukaegbu as general manager and James Earwaker as client director for financial lines. The two will join Wellington-based Graham Elliot, who joined Lockton earlier this year as a client director in its people solutions business.
Ukaegbu has nearly two decades of experience across the New Zealand and global insurance markets. He joins Lockton after more than seven years at Marsh, most recently as chief client officer for risk management in New Zealand. He also worked at QBE Europe earlier in his career.
Earwaker brings more than 20 years of industry experience, specialising in financial, executive and professional risks. He joins after seven years at Willis Towers Watson (WTW), where he most recently served as Wellington and central manager for financial, executive and professional risks. He has also previously worked at Miller Insurance Services.
Lockton New Zealand CEO Craig Buckle said: “This expansion reflects our commitment to investing in New Zealand.” He added that the move would extend the firm’s footprint across the country and bring more experienced associates into the business to deepen its expertise and capabilities.
The hires are the latest in a series of moves by Lockton across New Zealand and the wider Asia-Pacific region.
In September, Lockton appointed Alex Bursak from WTW as regional director, credit for Asia. David Lynch, who joined the broker from Marsh, was named chief client officer in New Zealand in August.
Similarly, Lockton appointed Jeremie Deschamps from Marsh Asia as regional head of cyber advisory for Asia earlier this year.
