WTW has hired Deborah McBrearty (pictured above) as New Zealand strategic director, a move that the global broking giant said will further strengthen its specialist capabilities in the country.
McBrearty was most recently the global head of transition risk insurance at Tokio Marine HCC. She will also join WTW New Zealand’s executive leadership team.
WTW said that McBrearty’s international experience will be a valuable addition to its specialist financial lines business (FINEX), where she will be responsible for creating and leading the company’s risk advisory practice in New Zealand.
“This is a significant strategic step for WTW New Zealand,” said Michael Brown, head of WTW New Zealand. “Deborah will lead our risk advisory practice that will offer alternative solutions for larger New Zealand businesses currently underserved by the traditional insurance market. A further particular focus for her will be our FINEX practice, where Deborah’s expertise and insights into the legal and financial industries will come to the fore, derived from her wealth of experience working in global insurance markets, including London and New York.”
A qualified lawyer, McBrearty is also an M&A specialist. This appointment marks her return to WTW, having previously spent six years with the company as a divisional director with the M&A practice in London.
“I am delighted to be rejoining WTW and supporting Michael at such an important and dynamic time,” McBrearty said. “There is considerable energy within the company and the entire team is keen to build differentiated products and services that will deliver unique value and perspectives for our clients. I am also looking forward to further leveraging our global reach and experience to benefit New Zealand organisations.”
