Gallagher has named Ryan Witchard (pictured) as executive director for its Middle East & Africa Marine practice, as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its specialty lines in the region.
Witchard will be based in Dubai at Gallagher’s regional headquarters in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), where he will oversee marine insurance solutions, including shipping, cargo, hull, and machinery risks.
Witchard’s remit includes close collaboration with Gallagher’s Specialty Marine team in London, which serves clients globally and is among the largest marine broking teams worldwide.
His appointment is expected to enhance the firm’s ability to address the evolving needs of clients operating in the maritime sector.
Witchard brings experience from Marsh, where he held broking roles in both London and the Middle East since 2018. He began his insurance career in London in 2012, initially specialising in protection & indemnity insurance before expanding his expertise to broader marine insurance lines.
In his new role, Witchard will report to Nadim Semaan, senior executive officer for the Middle East & Africa.
“With Ryan at the helm of our marine practice, Gallagher is well positioned for expansion and supporting our clients with all their insurance needs. We focus on providing in-depth sector knowledge from risk professionals that understand the risks clients are facing and can advise accordingly. Ryan has a strong track record both in the region and in maritime risks, and it is fantastic to have him on board,” he said.
“Gallagher has been based in the Middle East since 2022 during which time it has built an impressive scale business, and I am looking forward to helping to further expand its marine portfolio working with its existing team of specialists," Witchard said. "With a deep understanding of the maritime sector both in the region and globally, we are well positioned in providing a unique offering to the maritime community and help them to navigate the evolving risk landscape.”
In a separate development, Gallagher has appointed Andy Winwood as senior executive for its Middle East and Africa operations.
Winwood’s responsibilities will include working alongside Semaan to oversee business activities, with a focus on large accounts, market engagement, and business development.
Winwood has more than 35 years of experience in the insurance industry, including 14 years at Saudi Arabian Oil Company (Aramco) as a senior insurance and risk consultant. At Aramco, he advised affiliates and joint ventures on risk and insurance matters.
Earlier in his career, Winwood held senior broking roles in the UK and Middle East, starting at Fenchurch Insurance Brokers, which became part of Gallagher following the acquisition of Heath Lambert in 2011.
Gallagher’s Middle East operations, established in 2022, now include more than 80 risk professionals. The company provides specialty and facultative insurance, as well as risk management services, to clients in sectors such as aerospace, construction, energy, renewables, financial services, and marine.
