Lockton continues MENA push in direct insurance business

By Rebecca Delaney

June 11 - (The Insurer) - Lockton has strengthened its footprint in the Middle East and North Africa region with two appointments in its direct insurance broking business, the company said on Wednesday.

Jad Ghazal has been appointed to the newly created role of chief business officer for direct, where he will be responsible for leading and executing the strategic operations of Lockton’s direct business across the region.

This includes supporting regional strategies, ensuring operational excellence, creating and implementing holistic value proposition and aligning business functions to support sustainable growth.

Ghazal joined Lockton in 2021, assuming the role of general manager in the Dubai office in 2023.

In addition, Shadi Al Mahameed has been appointed chief growth officer for direct, where he will lead Lockton’s business development and growth strategies efforts across the Middle East existing markets.

The duo will work closely with Lockton’s existing country CEOs and leaders to support business objectives, including working with MENA regional managing director Fadi Ashkar to implement Lockton’s expansion strategy in the region.

Recent appointments to Lockton's MENA operations include Fady Khawam as general manager for reinsurance operations in North Africa and Adeeb Al Naser as CEO of retail insurance operations in the United Arab Emirates.