Pacific Life Re has announced a series of leadership changes within its protection business across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
The appointments coincide with significant shifts in the global reinsurance market, particularly highlighted during the recent midyear renewals.
Tyson Johnston (pictured, left), who previously held dual roles as managing director of the Australian business and head of global protection strategy, has been promoted to managing director, protection, Asia Pacific & global strategy at Pacific Life Re.
In this new capacity, he will oversee protection operations throughout the APAC region, continuing to report directly to Andrew Gill, the executive vice president of global protection.
In Australia, Martyn Gilling (pictured, middle) will assume the role of general manager, protection, Australia, taking over many of Johnston’s former responsibilities.
He has accumulated over 25 years of experience in the reinsurance industry, both within Australia and internationally, which he will leverage in his new position to meet the evolving needs of Australian insurers.
The Australian protection business will now report to Johnston, aligning with the company’s broader APAC strategy. Meanwhile, the Asian protection business will remain under the leadership of Vasan Errakiah, who will also report to Johnston.
Additionally, Matthew Larkin (pictured, right) has been appointed head of client solutions, Australia.
In this new role, he will lead efforts in market strategy and sales initiatives within the protection segment.
Commenting on the latest leadership appointments, Andrew Gill, global head of protection, highlighted the strong strategic leadership of Johnston over the past seven years and the extensive industry experience of Gilling and Larkin.
“We’re confident [Johnston] will drive our growth in the Asia-Pacific region,” he said. “I am also very pleased to be in a position to be able to promote from within and utilise the deep experience and talent that both Martyn and Matthew offer.”
Pacific Life Re has also made key promotions within its savings and retirement division as part of its broader efforts to enhance client services and expand its market reach.
Philip Edbrooke, who has been with Pacific Life Re since 2011, has been promoted to vice president, client solutions for the UK and Canada. His experience includes roles in reporting, pricing, and business development, focusing on protection lines for clients in the UK and Ireland.
His new role sees him leading the company’s expansion into the Dutch and wider Continental European markets as part of the savings and retirement division’s growth strategy.
Taking over from Edbrooke, Rachel Keaney has been appointed associate vice president, client solutions for the Netherlands and Continental Europe. She joined Pacific Life Re’s Sydney office in 2020 and transitioned to the London office in June 2023.
With more than 13 years of experience across the UK and Australian insurance markets, Keaney brings a solid background in client management, pricing, and risk assessment to her new role.
