Having come into the business under an acquisition, Ben Gordon admits that initially he was uncertain about his future with Gallagher — but getting to know the company culture and our senior executives post-merger convinced him that we're a brokerage with a difference. Today Ben holds the position of Branch Director — Corporate New South Wales and credits the merger with giving him the scope to realise his potential.

"It was the foresight and backing of Chief Executive Sarah Lyons, along with Regional Director Sean Gallagher, which paved the way for where my career is today," he says.

This was due to recognition of aligned synergies. "When Gallagher acquired Milne Alexander in 2018 we merged the NSW business with the Gallagher mid-market business, then realised there were a lot of similarities between the combined broking unit and the Gallagher Corporate business in NSW.

"The merging of these businesses allowed my career to move forward in leaps and bounds."

He characterises Gallagher culture as being a workplace where every idea is listened to and nothing is off the table if it makes commercial sense, and believes that this receptivity that has enabled him to advance as a manager.

"Gallagher is an organisation that allows me to own and develop our business unit as if I owned it, he says, "and they make sure I have the right support network around me to make sure we succeed."

People power the driver of growth

Ben has a self-confessed passion for new business and growth, describing his current and former roles in terms of comparative revenue. "I now work with over $200M gross written premium. That thrill of the chase and that winning feeling is something I will always thrive on."

He also loves harnessing group dynamics to achieve growth goals, saying internal and external stakeholder management is key to success. He believes in the importance of having the right team for the success of any business — "and you cannot have the right team without having the right people".

"We are a big business so it's important to understand how to bring together local and international talent. I really enjoy bringing new people into our business and developing staff so they can have successful careers in our business."

Insights into other organisations

As much as Ben enjoys his leadership role he remains hooked on the nuts and bolts of the insurance industry. "I love the broking business as a whole: once a broker, always a broker! Today I still have a lot of client touch points and am heavily involved in new business."

He says that the diverse nature of insurance means that he gets an inside perspective on interesting and exciting businesses. "You know you have a good relationship and that you're onto a winner when you become an extension of and trusted advisor to an organisation."

MERGE WITH GALLAGHER. LEARN MORE

Disclaimer

Gallagher provides insurance, risk management and benefits consulting services for clients in response to both known and unknown risk exposures. When providing analysis and recommendations regarding potential insurance coverage, potential claims and/or operational strategy in response to national emergencies (including health crises), we do so from an insurance and/or risk management perspective, and offer broad information about risk mitigation, loss control strategy and potential claim exposures. We have prepared this commentary and other news alerts for general information purposes only and the material is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as, legal or client-specific risk management advice. General insurance descriptions contained herein do not include complete insurance policy definitions, terms and/or conditions, and should not be relied on for coverage interpretation. The information may not include current governmental or insurance developments, is provided without knowledge of the individual recipient's industry or specific business or coverage circumstances, and in no way reflects or promises to provide insurance coverage outcomes that only insurance carriers' control.

Gallagher publications may contain links to non-Gallagher websites that are created and controlled by other organisations. We claim no responsibility for the content of any linked website, or any link contained therein. The inclusion of any link does not imply endorsement by Gallagher, as we have no responsibility for information referenced in material owned and controlled by other parties. Gallagher strongly encourages you to review any separate terms of use and privacy policies governing use of these third party websites and resources.

Insurance brokerage and related services to be provided by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co (Aus) Limited (ABN 34 005 543 920). Australian Financial Services License (AFSL) No. 238312