Gallagher has appointed Sherry Ortiz (pictured) as head of aerospace claims within its global aerospace practice.
In this role, Ortiz will assist clients with complex claims and lead efforts to expand the practice’s consulting services.
Ortiz joins from the United States Aircraft Insurance Group (USAIG), where she was senior vice president and senior aviation litigation attorney. She has 18 years of experience in the aviation sector, including roles at Trope & DeCarolis LLP and the Federal Aviation Administration.
A licensed pilot, Ortiz has handled litigation across the airline, manufacturing and general aviation industries. She will be based in the United States and report to Steve Lloyd, CEO of Aerospace for Gallagher in the US.
According to Lloyd, Ortiz brings experience as an insurance executive, aviation attorney, and aviation claims specialist. He said her background supports the firm’s objectives and reflects the level of service Gallagher aims to provide. He also noted that the appointment is part of Gallagher’s response to ongoing market disruption and geopolitical uncertainty.
Gallagher’s global aerospace practice, which includes more than 400 risk professionals worldwide, operates within the broader aviation and space insurance sector.
In the U.S., the practice serves clients such as commercial airlines, general aviation operators, aerospace and manufacturers, airports and government contractors. Services range from insurance placement and claims management to risk advisory across areas including hull and liability coverage, product liability and satellite-related exposures.
The practice combines local market knowledge with access to international insurance and reinsurance markets, addressing the complex needs of aviation clients in a shifting regulatory and geopolitical environment.
Ortiz said the role offers an opportunity to support Gallagher’s aerospace clients with litigation matters. She added that her time at a specialist insurer provided insight into the risks faced by aviation businesses and that her approach is intended to support clients throughout the claims process.
