Lockton has appointed Simon Gilliat as head of international benefits, based in London.

In this role, Gilliat will provide strategic direction to the company’s global employee benefits offering and lead teams in the UK, Asia, Latin America, and MENA regions

Gilliat brings over 30 years of experience in employee benefits to the role. He joined Lockton from Coca-Cola, where he was global head of benefits. Prior to that, he held several senior leadership positions at Willis Towers Watson, most of which were with its international benefits businesses. For many years, he headed WTW’s international consulting practice. Other roles included head of growth for EMEA, managing consultant for the UK, and head of CEEMEA.

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“I am delighted that Simon will head up Lockton’s international benefits practice,” said Neil Nimmo, CEO of Lockton International. “He joins at an exciting time when clients are extending their reach. He will be an invaluable asset, leveraging his extensive sector experience and ample relationships to provide the technical expertise that will support their global expansion.”

According to Lockton, healthcare costs continue to rise around the world, with premiums rising by around 5% per annum in developed markets and more than 15% per annum in developing ones. Therefore, employers are looking at solutions, such as employee well-being programmes, to help reduce medical claims or alternative ways to deliver benefits, such as through captives. At the same time, ensuring that benefits support employee engagement and productivity is critical.