Gallagher Bassett Australia has appointed Brisbane-based Lionel Charmetant as COO, saying he will refresh the Australian market to continue exceptional customer experience.

Mr Charmetant was most recently COO at Allianz Partners Australia New Zealand and has held roles at Morgan Stanley, Barclays Capital and Boston Consulting Group, working in France, Australia, the UK and US, leading global initiatives across more than 30 countries, launching four offshore centres and streamlining assistance and insurance products to improve efficiency.

“Our more than 1000 operational staff will greatly benefit from Lionel’s experience in customer service and solutions delivery,” said CEO Pete Nicholson, who took the top role in March as John McNamara became Director, Strategic Partnerships until his planned retirement next year.

Last month, Pete Diskin was promoted to the role of Chief Client Officer.

Mr Charmetant says he is passionate about employee development, data and technology and excited to lead operational managers.

“My goal is to enhance GB Australia’s culture while improving and delivering a superb customer experience and providing solutions and development to confirm GB’s position as the country’s leading claim management specialists,” he said.