By Michael Jones

Jan 23 - (The Insurer) - Guy Carpenter has bolstered its South African operations with the hire of Gallagher Re’s regional director for the Middle East and Africa Natalie van de Coolwijk, The Insurer can reveal.

Sources said that van de Coolwijk will serve as a senior broker within the Marsh McLennan-owned reinsurance intermediary’s South African team, which is led by Jane March.

It is understood that van de Coolwijk has been accompanied by other members of her Gallagher Re team, although this publication could not confirm their identities prior to publication.

March has served as South Africa CEO since September 2021 and oversaw the combination of Guy Carpenter and Marsh’s South Africa facultative reinsurance operations the following year.

Van de Coolwijk has spent three years at Gallagher Re as regional director for the Middle East and Africa.

She joined Gallagher Re through the acquisition of Willis Re, where she spent six years as South Africa CEO.

Prior to Willis Re, she was managing director at underwriting management agency CyGeist. Her career also includes stints at Natsure, Aon Benfield, Hannover Re and OUTsurance.

This adds to recent senior people moves between Guy Carpenter and Gallagher Re. In October 2024, Gallagher Re confirmed that Lara Mowery had joined as chief commercial officer following a 27-year stint at Guy Carpenter.

Guy Carpenter declined to comment. Gallagher Re was approached for comment.