Global insurance and reinsurance broker Lockton has appointed José Otávio De Albuquerque Sampaio as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its Brazil operations.
José Otávio takes over as CEO of Brazil at Lockton from Tony Gusmao, who has led the division for the past seven years and whose departure and relocation to Europe has been planned for some time.
José Otávio joins the firm from Willis Towers Watson (WTW) Brazil, where he served as CEO for the past 11 years. He has extensive experience in risk assessment, program placement, operational risk management, and global insurance programs, both in P&C and Employee Health & Benefits.
In his new role, he will be tasked with having oversight of the direction of Lockton Brazil as it strengthens its commitment to expanding in the Latin America & Caribbean region.
Neil Nimmo, Lockton International CEO, said: “I am delighted to welcome José Otávio to Lockton. He is a senior and strategically important hire for the business. José Otávio has far reaching insurance experience and will strengthen our existing capability while also leading Lockton’s growth in Brazil.
“I would like to express my thanks to Tony Gusmao for his considerable efforts to build an excellent and growing business over the past seven years. He leaves a strong legacy from which we can build. We wish him well in in his future endeavours as he continues his career in Europe.”
Andrew Perry, CEO of Lockton Latin America & Caribbean, said: “José Otávio joins at an important time for Lockton in Brazil and in Latin America. We are now capitalising on our unique status in the region as the only top five, private global independent broker and are seizing the opportunity to invest and grow.
“José Otávio will work closely with our associates and key partners across Latin America to ensure strategic growth and development. At the same time, we will continue to add resource to the region as we expand our footprint.”
On his new position, José Otávio said: “Lockton is an entrepreneurial yet established business and I am excited to embark on this new opportunity. I look forward to working with Andrew, the Lockton Regional LatAm Executive and the team in Brazil, developing Lockton’s insurance expertise, so that it can capitalise on the significant opportunities present in the region.”
