Schaffler To Lead Lockton Chicago

CHICAGO, Oct. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockton, the world's largest privately held insurance broker, has named Tom Schaffler as President of its Chicago operation. In his new position, Schaffler is responsible for setting the vision and long-term strategies for the insurance broker's fast-growing risk management and employee benefits business.

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Lockton Chicago is among the global broker's fastest growing offices in the U.S., nationally, growing 17 percent last year and on pace to grow more than 20 percent this year.  This growth has allowed Lockton Chicago to invest in additional staff including Credit Insurance expertise, international risk consulting, and international benefits consulting. 

"Tom Schaffler has distinguished himself as a leader and client advisor during his 13 years with Lockton," said John Lumelleau, President and CEO of Lockton. "Our clients value his expert counsel and our growing team in Chicago will benefit from his guidance. We will continue to build on the strong client service foundation built by Tom Pluss and the team."

Schaffler succeeds Tom Pluss, who founded the Lockton Chicago office and served as President for the past 17 years. Pluss will continue to advise clients on risk management and insurance issues and serve as Chairman of the operation.

Schaffler has been a Lockton client advisor for the past 13 years, most recently serving as President of Lockton's Chicago Employee Benefits operation. He will lead a team that has grown to more than 120 Associates and has been voted as one of the Best Places to Work in Illinois the past five years. Lockton provides its clients with a wide range of risk management, insurance, and benefits consulting services.

Prior to joining Lockton in 1999, Schaffler worked with Associated Agencies as an Executive Vice President and with The Hartford, advising large companies on employee benefits. He is a member of the Midwest Business Group on Health, serves on United Healthcare's Advisory Group, and board member of the Outreach Community Ministries of Chicago.  Schaffler is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in insurance and risk management.

Tom Pluss is active in the Chicago community as a member of the Economic Club of Chicago, the Executive Club of Chicago, Illinois State University Advisory board at the Katie School of Insurance, and as a board member of the Respiratory Health Association of Chicago. He is a graduate of the University of Colorado with a degree in business.

About Lockton </p>

More than 4,450 professionals at Lockton provide more than 15,000 clients around the world with insurance, benefits, and risk management services that improve our clients' businesses. From its founding in 1966 in Kansas City, Missouri, Lockton has attracted entrepreneurial professionals who have driven its growth to become the largest privately held insurance broker in the world and 9th largest overall. Independent researcher Greenwich Associates awarded Lockton its 2011 Service Excellence Award for risk management for large companies. For four consecutive years, Business Insurance has recognized Lockton as a "Best Place to Work in Insurance." To see the latest insights from Lockton's experts, check Lockton Market Update.

SOURCE Lockton