Gallagher Bassett appoints new chief operating officer for Australia

Gallagher Bassett (GB) Australia has named Lionel Charmetant its new chief operating officer (COO) to lead a renewed focus on people development, data, and technology in the region.

Charmetant has spent over half of his career in the insurance industry in France, Australia, the UK, and the US. Throughout his roles, he has led global initiatives across over 30 countries, launched four offshore centres, and streamlined assistance and insurance products to improve efficiency. Before joining GB, he spent six years at Allianz Partners Australia, most recently as a regional COO for Australia and New Zealand.

Speaking about his previous role, Charmetant said: “During my time as the regional COO at Allianz Partners Australia New Zealand, I spearheaded significant development in customer experience, automated a portion of the travel claim portfolio, enhanced governance, improved risk management, and implemented agile work practices.”

In his new role at GB, Charmetant will draw on his extensive international experience and use his skills and knowledge to help the company refresh its Australian market offering and deliver exceptional customer service. He will also work closely with new CEO Pete Nicholson, who has welcomed Charmetant to the GB AU team.

Read more: Gallagher Bassett names new chief client officer for Australia

“We are delighted to welcome Lionel to our team, acknowledging that his experience in global markets will bring exceptional insight and knowledge to the role,” Nicholson said. “Our more than 1,000 operational staff will greatly benefit from Lionel’s experience in customer service and solutions delivery.”

Charmetant commented: “I’m looking forward to continuing my work within the Australian market and leveraging my experience to drive synergy for GB’s customers and products.

“My goal is to enhance GB Australia’s culture while improving and delivering a superb customer experience and providing solutions and development to confirm GB’s position as the country’s leading claim management specialists.”

Charmetant’s appointment follows Pete Diskin’s relocation from the UK to Australia to serve as GB’s chief client officer (CCO) for its Australian business.