Lockton Expands Employee Benefits Practice in Chicago

CHICAGO, Aug. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockton announced the addition of two employee benefits experts to its Chicago operation. Joining Lockton in Vice President, Producer roles are David Cooke and Mark Haye. Both will be responsible for business development and client strategy at Lockton, the world's largest privately held, independent insurance broker.

David brings more than 25 years of experience in health and welfare benefits, with a financial analysis and underwriting background. Most recently, he was a producer and senior consultant in Aon Hewitt's Health and Benefits Practice in Chicago. He specializes in helping employers formulate long-term benefits strategies to mitigate their rising benefits expenses.

Mark brings more than 20 years of experience in the employee benefits financial management space. Most recently, he worked at Mercer Health & Benefits, where he fine-tuned his expertise in organizational design and effectiveness, strategic planning and new business development.

"We are so pleased to add the impressive credentials of David Cooke and Mark Haye to our practice. Lockton's prospects and clients will benefit greatly from their expertise in group medical benefits strategy, design, funding and administration. Mark and David have both developed effective benefits strategies for employers of every shape and size during their careers," said Tom Schaffler, President of Lockton's Chicago operation. "Their combined experience in employee benefits will help them develop the creative solutions our clients need."

Before joining Aon Hewitt, David worked as a health and welfare consultant for another national employee benefits firm, consulting on both U.S. and global health and benefits programs for employers. He holds his CEBS designation from the International Foundation of Employee Benefits and is a frequent presenter at national benefit conferences and webcasts and serves on the Corporate Board of the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. He is a graduate of Colgate University.

Prior to his time at Mercer, Mark worked for Aon for three years and Hewitt for five years. He holds a CEBS designation from the International Foundation of Employee Benefits and frequently hosts seminars and roundtable discussions on topics relevant to senior human resource and finance leaders. He is a graduate of New York University's Stern School of Business.

"David and Mark are seasoned professionals," said Casey Warnecke, Chief Operating Officer of Lockton's Chicago operation. "Both have the right mix of industry expertise and leadership skills that make them the perfect business partner for employers facing today's benefits challenges."

David and Mark will operate from Lockton's Chicago office at 525 W. Monroe, Suite 600, Chicago, IL 60661, (312) 669-6900.

About Lockton

More than 5,300 professionals at Lockton provide 41,000 clients around the world with risk management, insurance, and employee benefits consulting services that improve their 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, independent insurance broker in the world and 10th largest overall. Independent researcher Greenwich Associates has awarded Lockton its Service Excellence Award for risk management for large companies. For five consecutive years, Business Insurance has recognized Lockton as a "Best Place to Work in Insurance." To see the latest insights from Lockton's employee benefits experts, check the Lockton Health Reform Blog, the Lockton Health Risk Solutions Blog, or the Lockton HR Technology Blog. 

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SOURCE Lockton