Westfield Specialty International, Liberty Specialty Markets and Indemnity Law have each announced senior moves and strategic developments aimed at supporting growth in key markets.
The updates span international operations, broker relationships and policyholder-focused insurance disputes and technology.
Westfield Specialty has promoted long-time claims leader Katie MacGregor (pictured, left) to chief operating officer (COO), effective immediately.
MacGregor has led the claims function for the international business for the past decade and has been closely involved in its growth and development. In her new role, she will oversee operational functions across Westfield's international business, working with senior leadership to support strategic growth plans in those markets.
She joined Westfield Specialty in 2016 after 12 years in senior claims leadership roles at Liberty Specialty.
In his new role, Palma will be responsible for expanding Liberty’s footprint by developing business across the central and southern regions of Italy. He will focus on managing and strengthening existing relationships and building new partnerships with brokers and intermediaries.
Palma brings 30 years’ experience in the insurance market, having worked with major insurance groups and international MGAs, with a strong focus on the Italian market. He joins from HECA, where he supported the company’s growth in central and southern Italy.
Founder James Morris, who established the firm in 2020, will lead the new division, focusing initially on using technology to broaden access to the firm's specialist expertise for SME policyholders in dispute with their insurers.
Together, Eastlake and Pangbourne bring nearly 40 years’ combined experience advising on complex insurance claims. Both have previously acted for insurers and now act exclusively for policyholders on high-stakes disputes.
Eastlake joined Indemnity after long tenures at DAC Beachcroft and Kennedys, where she built a particular focus on renewables and climate-related insurance risks, advising on disputes arising from complex property damage losses. Meanwhile, Pangbourne has around two decades' experience advising on insurance coverage and liability in claims against professionals and directors.
Indemnity Law has also appointed John Curran, a longstanding partner at the firm, as senior partner. The promotion recognises his experience in complex insurance disputes and his role in building the firm’s profile in the insurance sector.
