Lockton has acquired specialist insurance broker Zenith Insurance Services, saying a new Health & Community Services specialty team will “unlock a true national and global footprint of industry specialism”.

The new business will be led by Lockton’s Perth-based Health and Community Services National Manager Ian Maybury. Zenith MD Kim Gilbert, who won the Stephen Ball Memorial Award for Broker of the Year in 2018, will continue to act in a leadership role alongside him.

Founded in WA in 2001, Zenith now has clients Australia-wide and provides industry-specific products, services and advice.

It specialises in aged care, disability, indigenous medical health services and community service organisations, and Lockton says it has also gained a highly-experienced team of specialist risk advisers for the transport and logistics industry.

“This acquisition is not about being a bigger company, it’s about being the best in the industries where we know we can make the biggest difference,” Mr Maybury said.

Lockton Pacific CEO Paul Marsden says the two teams "have a lot in common” and will meet a client need for access to specialists with a national and global footprint.

"The world has undeniably changed and clients now need more from their risk and insurance adviser,” Mr Marsden said.

“From natural catastrophes to cyber events, talent attraction and retention, to the ongoing impacts of covid, these are all challenges impacting risk profiles and the availability and cost of insurance.”

The new specialty Health & Community Services business will be called Lockton-Zenith and specialise in retirement living, indigenous medical health services and community service organisations, primary healthcare and aged care.