Willis adds Dubai and Madrid to global D&F placement hub network

Willis Direct and Facultative has expanded its global property and casualty placement hub network with the addition of Dubai and Madrid.

The re/insurance broker said the move strengthens its global reach and provides clients with access to international insurance markets through a single point of contact.

The structure is supported by product, placement, analytics and claims expertise designed to secure competitive and creative cover for clients.

Willis said the hubs operate as one global direct and facultative team, enabling the broker to match risks to the appropriate market through local, wholesale or facultative channels.

Garret Gaughan, global head of direct and facultative at Willis, said the expansion responds to changing client expectations.

“We’re delighted to announce the addition of two further global hubs,” Gaughan said.

“We recognise that clients are increasingly seeking to complement traditional market access with the competitive advantages offered by emerging and established international marketplaces,” he added.

The expanded wholesale hub network now spans London, Madrid, Bermuda, Miami, Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong and Shanghai.

This sits alongside local facultative hubs across all regions.

“Madrid naturally strengthens our connectivity with Latin America, while Dubai enhances our reach across the broader Middle East region,” Gaughan said.

“By deepening our global footprint and strengthening cross market collaboration, we ensure clients benefit from the most competitive, future focused solutions available, wherever they are in the world,” he added.

Eleni Lykoudi, head of central and eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa at Willis, said the Dubai hub supports regional growth ambitions.

“We are delighted to announce the new D&F property and casualty offering in Dubai,” Lykoudi said.

“This reflects our commitment to strengthening our regional presence, enhancing service capabilities for our clients and supporting long term growth,” she added.

Ivan Sainz, head of Spain at Willis, said the Madrid hub strengthens the broker’s international connectivity.

“The expansion of the global hub in Madrid enables us to further support clients by drawing on insight and experience from across industries and geographies,” Sainz said.

“This reflects the significance of the Madrid and broader Spanish marketplace and how it will be a critical international access point of the future,” he added.