Gallagher Australia’s new Head of Corporate Katherine Simmonds will start at the firm next month, after moving across from Willis Towers Watson.

Ms Simmonds, who is highly regarded in the market, was GM head of corporate, risk & broking at Willis Towers Watson and had previously led Ironshore Australia.

“Katie is obviously highly qualified and comes to us with some terrific experience,” Gallagher CEO Sarah Lyons said.

Ms Simmonds is also an advisory board director for the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance and holds a law and commerce degree.

She will be based in Gallagher’s North Sydney office and will work with teams around Australia.