Several months after rebranding from Cooper Gay, global broker Ed has achieved significant growth, and now it is preparing for further expansion with the hiring of a “high calibre” executive.

 

The company has appointed Joanne Merrick as head of legal, risk and compliance. She will take up the role in June, reporting to group commercial director Andrew Wallin.

 

“As we grow, we need a high calibre individual who has a track record of managing legal and compliance risk in the international (re)insurance space,” Wallin said. “Joanne brings a wealth of legal and compliance expertise and experience to Ed.”

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Wallin said the broker has undergone “tremendous change” over the past year, “significantly” expanding its geographical reach and entering into new lines of business.

 

Ed has also taken a “major step forward” in developing its integrated global MGA business unit, Wallin added.

 

“The vision that Andrew and the team have for Ed made the decision to join the team an easy one,” Merrick said. “The transformation journey they’re undertaking makes it an exciting opportunity – one that certainly stands out in the market.”

 

Merrick said she will ensure that the firm’s strategy is backed by “first rate” legal, risk and compliance support.

 

Bringing in 20 years of legal experience in the insurance sector, Merrick joins from Gen Re where she was recently a regional general counsel.

 

In that role, Merrick managed legal and compliance risk for Gen Re’s platforms in the UK and Africa, while providing legal support to the company’s offices worldwide.