Insurance giant locks up new markets in region

Kansas City-based Lockton, one of the largest privately held independent insurance brokers in the country, has expanded in Florida with three new offices and executives, including locations in Naples and Tampa.

One of the new officials, Mike Meredith, was named executive vice president and will be based out of the Tampa and Naples locations, according to a release. He was most recently an executive vice president at Willis Towers Watson, where he led the employee benefits practice for South Florida, the release adds.

Meredith has nearly three decades experience working with both corporate clients and municipalities in advising on benefits and other programs. At Lockton he will advise clients on employee benefit strategy, program structure and best practices in attracting and retaining talent, the company says.

Two other new executives, senior vice presidents Mickey Molet and Teri Fuentes will be based out of Lockton's Miami office. Lockton has another location in Miramar.

"Mike, Mickey, and Teri are respected professionals who share our passion for delivering client solutions," says Doug Hutcherson, President of Lockton's Southeast US operations, in the statement. "They will play important roles in the continued growth of our employee benefits and risk management consulting business in the region."

Lockton has more than 6,000 employees who serve 50,000 clients worldwide. It was founded in 1966.