With a global presence and headquarters in North America, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and beyond, Gallagher Bassett’s Australian team is supported by leading insurance experts from across the globe.
Gallagher Bassett Australia is led by an impressive executive team who are specialised in insurance carriers and passionate about business development, client experience and corporate culture.
Meet Gallagher Bassett’s Australian Leaders
John McNamara
Chief Executive Officer
As Gallagher Bassett Australia’s Chief Executive Officer, John McNamara has more than 15 years’ experience within the organisation and more than 30 years of insurance experience, making him one of Australia’s most highly regarded insurance experts.
Specializing in strategic planning, implementation and business leadership, John is passionate about investigating and adopting innovative project solutions that enhance client experiences. Before joining Gallagher Bassett, John held several business leadership roles with Allianz, QBE, and JLT.
Brad Smith
Chief Operating Officer
Brad is responsible for leading and managing all operational business units within GB Australia – both Personal Injury and Specialty Markets.
Prior to working at Gallagher Bassett, Brad worked with Allianz Partners for over 9 years. Most recently, Brad was the Chief Sales Officer, leading a national workforce covering sales and account management across the Travel, Health, Automotive and Property portfolios. As the lead contact Brad was responsible for driving revenue across the company’s B2B and B2C brands and external partnerships.
As Chief Operating Officer of Gallagher Bassett, Brad has drawn on his extensive insurance carrier experience to ensure close alignment of GB’s insurer services to the needs of our insurance carrier clientele.
Stacey Williams
Chief Client Officer
Stacey is an industry leader in organisational transformation, client relations and business development. Having started with Gallagher Bassett almost 20 years ago, Stacey has worked in various roles, start-ups, product lines, markets and locations around Australia including Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory.
With extensive experience in workers’ compensation, self-insurance and general insurance, Stacey is now responsible for Gallagher Bassett’s national account management and client partnership strategies. Stacey was most-recently named Business Development Professional of the Year at the 2019 Women in Finance Awards and made Business Insurance's global list of 2019 Women to Watch.
Damien Gilhooley
General Manager – Integrated Claims Solutions
Damien is a lawyer by trade and has worked at Gallagher Bassett for almost 25 years, currently holding the role as General Manager of Integrated Claims Solutions. Damien’s important position requires identification, development and integration of industry leading solutions capable of internal application for existing and prospective clients.
While also managing the national Catastrophe Response team, Damien works to bolster Gallagher Bassett’s commercial and corporate capability locally and internationally.
Jason Allison
National Business Development Manager
Jason is a skilled insurance industry professional with extensive leadership experience, having worked across multiple national underwriting portfolios, claims teams, operational reform and IT transformation projects.
Joining Gallagher Bassett in early 2019, Jason offers his clients strategic direction, business planning support and execution techniques, ensuring businesses can increase their commercial success in competitive markets. Jason leverages insight into the complexities of the insurance landscape and has successfully managed multi-million-dollar contracts and relationships with Governments, regulators, public sector agencies, corporate entities and intermediaries.
Scott Newland
General Manager – Government & Long-Tail Claims
Scott Newland has over 16 years of experience and significant expertise in General Insurance. Prior to joining Gallagher Bassett 5 years ago, Scott developed comprehensive, hands on claims experience across a wide range of industries and claims portfolios.
Scott has previously held leadership roles for Marsh Pty Ltd and Insurance Australia Group (IAG) managing large and diverse teams across multiple portfolios. Scott excels in meeting and exceeding the service and performance expectations of his clients. As the General Manager - Government and Long-Tail Claims, managing a large and diverse team across multiple locations and has aligned service standards, processes and streamlined procedures across the division he oversees.
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Meet Gallagher Bassett’s Global Leaders
Jon Winsbury
Executive Vice President – International
Jon Winsbury started at Gallagher Bassett as an Operations Manager in 1998. Fast forward 22 years and Jon is now Executive Vice President of the International division with 30+ years of insurance experience under his belt. Responsible for the strategic direction and growth of Gallagher Bassett internationally, his strong belief in culture and staff empowers the business to continually achieve stellar results.
Jon’s reputation for excellence in business in based on broad experiences and specialised knowledge within the insurance industry.
Craig Furness
Managing Director - New Zealand
Craig Furness joined Gallagher Bassett in 2016 and boasts more than 16 years’ experience in the insurance industry. Dedicated to delivering the best possible outcomes and integrated global business solutions for clients, Craig continues to juggle his operational, manufacturing, distribution and financial expertise in his role as Managing Director.
With a deep understanding of the New Zealand market, Craig is committed to providing tailored solutions to Gallagher Bassett’s national customers, considering their unique risks and opportunities while enhancing global reputation and increasing business growth across multiple insurance sectors.
Michael Hessling
Chief Executive Officer - North America
As Gallagher Bassett’s Chief Executive Officer in North America, Michael Hessling is responsible for overseeing client relationship programs and carrier-related business development initiatives across the region. Carrying more than 20 years of experience in the finance, business and insurance disputes industries, Michael has strong negotiation techniques, business development practices and global insurance insights.
Michael joined Gallagher Bassett in 2012 and has since implemented creative problem-solving practices across several departments, expanding the recruitment and professional development arm of the business and ensuring all employees are achieving optimal results for their clients.
Pete Diskin
Chief Client Officer – United Kingdom
Pete Diskin started at Gallagher Bassett more than 20 years ago and has worked in various company divisions including branch management, operations and product development across Australia and The United Kingdom. Prior to Gallagher Bassett, Pete trained and worked as a Surveillance Operative and Factual Investigator where he was regularly required to testify in court and deliver investigative results.
As Chief Client Officer based in London, Pete is dedicated to corporate stability and organisational culture to ultimately enhance Gallagher Bassett’s client relationships, proactive approach and service offerings.
Jon Stambaugh
Senior Vice President - North America
Jon generates market intelligence and business development for Gallagher Bassett through maintaining strategic relationships in the insurance sector. With key specializations in risk management, alternative risk and insurance carrier related opportunities, Jon develops winning strategies that drive businesses forward into success.
Boasting more than 20 years of experiences, Jon prides himself on shaping a family-oriented culture that fosters effective communication and a great work ethic.
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