Broker Gallagher has announced a new appointment to its financial lines team, strengthening its expertise in a tough area of the market.

Theresa Lewin joins as Financial Lines Practice Leader for Victoria from Willis Towers Watson where she was Financial Institutions Leader Australasia. She brings more than 30 years' experience to the role with specialist expertise in financial institutions risk such as civil liability professional indemnity, financial crime, and directors’ and officers’ (D&O).

A spokesman for Gallagher told insuranceNEWS.com.au Ms Lewin will start next Tuesday.

Her recruitment builds on additions that Gallagher has made in recent months to the financial lines division.

Robert McCabe, previously with InterRISK Australia, took up the Professional and Financial Risks NSW Manager position in February, according to his LinkedIn profile. He has more than 20 years’ industry experience, having worked at Chubb, QBE and AIG.

John Muir, who holds a similar role in WA, joined the business from broker Willis CKA last year, his LinkedIn account shows. He is a D&O specialist with mining and energy expertise and has worked previously for CGU and Chubb.

National Head of Professional & Financial Risks Michael Herron says the recruitments put Gallagher in “the strongest possible position” to support the business and clients during this challenging period.

“With Australian organisations facing premium spikes across multiple lines of insurance, capacity shifts and structural changes to underwriting requirements, strategic placement advice is required now more than ever,” he said.

Australian Broking CEO Sarah Lyons has not ruled out more recruits, saying the broker is on the lookout for risk experts who can support the business.

As insuranceNEWS.com.au has reported, Gallagher has also announced a trio of appointments to its corporate team.

“Having access to a range of specialist insurance and risk management experts is something clients have come to expect from Gallagher, and has been instrumental in forging our market reputation in Australia,” Ms Lyons said.

“We will continue to invest in bringing some of the best knowledge and expertise into our business at a time when clients need us most.

She says Ms Lewin “brings a wealth of knowledge and industry experience to Gallagher that will no doubt translate into significant value for clients, both new and existing.”