Reinsurance broker Gallagher Re has announced the appointment of Dirk Spenner as Chief Executive Officer, International, effective 1st June 2024.
With over three decades of industry experience, Spenner will take over the role from Tony Melia, who is retiring after a career of over 40 years.
Spenner joined Willis Re in 1996 and moved to Gallagher Re through the 2021 acquisition. Spenner currently runs the Gallagher Re EMEA business – which has seen substantial growth over many years – and is the co-head of the Global Property Practice.
The executive started at Gallagher Re as a Managing Director, and two years later he was appointed to his current role.
Gallagher Re’s CEO, Tom Wakefield, commented: “I wish Dirk every success in his new role, and congratulate Tony on a truly remarkable career.”
Melia had been with Willis Re since 1988 and was appointed CEO of Willis Re International in 2012. During this time, he led the International Business Unit, covering Europe, Asia, Latin America and emerging markets business.
Since he joined the firm, Melia held a number of posts, including establishing the Willis Re first analytics department and creating and developing Willis Re’s financial modelling platform, Willis iFM.
He also served as Managing Director of European Business, where he was responsible for reinsurance placements of some of Europe’s largest insurance groups.
