Lockton Appoints Marine Specialist Gill Martin as Head of Broking for Marine Hull

Lockton has appointed marine specialist Gill Martin as Head of Broking, Marine Hull, to lead its strategy in the London and international markets. For insurance professionals, this move signals a significant reinforcement of Lockton’s technical expertise in a volatile marine sector, leveraging a veteran broker to navigate complex global shipping risks and deepen carrier relationships.

What was announced

Lockton has named Gill Martin as its new Head of Broking, Marine Hull. Based in London, Martin is tasked with leading the firm’s marine hull broking strategy, which involves designing risk solutions for shipowners, operators, and financiers while strengthening ties with global insurers. The appointment is part of a broader push to expand Lockton’s marine capabilities amidst a shifting geopolitical landscape that has increased the complexity of maritime risk.

Martin brings over 35 years of experience to the role, having specialized in producing and broking marine insurance for international clients. Her expertise covers marine hull and related classes, with a specific focus on markets in the United States, Greece, Asia, and Türkiye. Before joining Lockton, she served as a division director for marine at Howden and held senior positions at major industry players including SSL, Marsh, and Aon. In her new capacity, she will work under the leadership of Alistair Rivers, Head of Global Marine and Transportation at Lockton. Her role will involve managing complex international portfolios and mentoring the firm's broking teams as they address evolving risks in the global shipping industry.

"Gill is one of the most respected brokers in the marine insurance market, both in London and internationally. Her deep technical expertise, strong insurer relationships, and proven leadership ability make her an outstanding addition to our team. With global shipping becoming increasingly complex, our clients will appreciate Gill’s depth of experience and industry credibility."

Alistair Rivers, Head of Global Marine and Transportation at Lockton

The companies involved

Lockton is the world’s largest independent insurance broker, operating as a private, family-owned entity. This independence is a core part of its market identity, allowing the firm to focus on long-term client service rather than quarterly shareholder demands. The company provides insurance brokerage, risk management, and employee benefits consultancy services to a global client base. While many of its competitors have undergone significant consolidation or are publicly traded, Lockton has maintained its private status, positioning itself as a specialist alternative to the "Big Three" global brokers.

The firm’s marine and transportation division is a key pillar of its specialty offering, providing bespoke coverage for the maritime value chain, including hull, cargo, and liability risks. By recruiting senior talent from competitors like Howden, Marsh, and Aon, Lockton continues to challenge the established hierarchy in the London market, which remains the global hub for marine insurance placement and technical underwriting.

What FF News has reported before

Lockton has been active in expanding its specialty leadership and technological footprint throughout 2026. FF News recently covered the appointment of Lockton Appoints Vince Gaffigan to Lead U.S. Casualty Practice Amid Growing Risk Complexity, reflecting a strategy of hiring veteran expertise to manage growing risk complexity. The firm has also focused on niche sectors, such as the launch of Lockton Launches Specialist Motor Trade Insurance for UK Collector Car Dealers and Workshops and the establishment of a Lockton Launches Dedicated U.S. Aviation Practice to Tackle Global Aerospace Risk. On the technology front, the broker introduced Lockton Launches SAGE: The Insurance Industry’s First Unified Enterprise Intelligence Platform, an enterprise intelligence platform designed to unify data across the insurance value chain.

What this means from an insurtech perspective

This appointment highlights the enduring importance of high-touch human expertise in the most complex corners of the insurance market. While insurtech has successfully automated high-volume, low-complexity lines, marine hull remains a sector where technical underwriting and personal relationships drive placement. However, the pressure on incumbent brokers is mounting; as Lockton integrates platforms like SAGE, the expectation is that veteran brokers will increasingly use data-driven insights to justify pricing in a hardening market. For carriers and reinsurers, this move suggests that Lockton is doubling down on traditional London-market broking strengths to navigate the volatility of global trade and sanctions-related risks.