Lockton has named Jerry Ridge as its new global head of marine and energy reinsurance.

Ridge boasts close to four decades of experience within the reinsurance industry. He joins Lockton from Willis Re where he held the role of chairman of global specialty. Before this he served as co-CEO of Willis Re Speciality and managing director of Willis Re Global Marine and Energy.

In his new role, Ridge will head up Lockton’s rapidly expanding international marine and energy reinsurance business group.

Ridge will be accompanied by Jennifer Jones who also joins from Willis Re where she was executive director.

The company has revealed that additional members of its marine and energy reinsurance team will be announced shortly.

Neil Nimmo, CEO of Lockton International comments: “We’re making great strides in building a world-class marine and energy reinsurance team, and we’re delighted to welcome Jerry on board to lead that business unit through its next stage of growth.

“Jerry brings close to four decades worth of experience within the marine and energy reinsurance market which, combined with Lockton’s dynamic and innovative approach, will allow us to offer our clients a truly differentiated broking service.”

Commenting on his appointment Ridge said: “I’m delighted to be joining Lockton at such an important juncture in the development of its reinsurance business, and look forward to building out the business’ proposition in the marine and energy sector.

“By placing an unrivalled level of emphasis on client service, Lockton is bringing a fresh approach to the marine and energy reinsurance market. We’re in the perfect position to challenge the more established players with a culture of ‘broking done differently’ that places clients and their needs front and centre.”