Lockton Introduces New Entertainment Division, Adds New Office in Southern California

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Entertainers, executives and producers from Hollywood and the music industry can now turn to Lockton for their specialized insurance needs and risk management.  Lockton, the world's largest privately held insurance broker, has expanded its Southern California operations by adding an Entertainment Division and a new San Fernando Valley office. The new office will be led by a veteran team with decades of experience providing insurance and risk management services to performers, musicians, live event producers, executives, and organizations in the entertainment industry.  

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The new Lockton Entertainment Division offers two distinct groups, Premier Private Risk and Music & Entertainment, providing specialized programs tailored for all facets of the entertainment industry.

"Lockton is extremely proud to attract such a high caliber team of entertainment brokerage professionals and to plant our flag in the entertainment industry," said Lenny Fodemski, chief operating officer of Lockton's Southern California operations. "The risks faced by entertainment executives are wide-ranging and challenging.  Our clients will benefit tremendously from the expertise and in-depth knowledge our new team brings to the table."

Robyn Welch will lead the Premier Private Risk group as managing director.  For more than 30 years, she has managed high net worth personal exposures and insurance needs for many of the most well known names in the entertainment industry.  Prior to joining Lockton, Welch led the high net worth personal lines group as executive vice president at Robertson Taylor, a specialized entertainment broker.

Bobbi Curry, thirty year veteran, has been named managing director of the Music & Entertainment group in charge of professional liability and the full spectrum of insurance and risk management solutions unique to television, music, sports, live entertainment, special events, and talent management executives.  Curry served as managing director of music and entertainment at Robertson Taylor prior to joining Lockton.

Keli Tomack has joined Lockton as senior vice president of its entertainment division.  Tomack has more than 17 years of experience in the entertainment brokerage industry having previously held positions at USI and Robertson Taylor.  Tomack will focus on music and live events clients including concerts and tours, musical and stage productions, and talent management.

"We are excited to join Lockton and offer our clients the depth of resources, expertise, worldwide infrastructure, and financial stability of a company that also shares our lifelong dedication to superior client service," explained Welch.  "With its private ownership and entrepreneurial culture, Lockton truly understands the meaning of 'going above and beyond' for clients, which is vitally important in this industry."

Lockton's Southern California operation now includes offices in Los Angeles, Irvine, San Diego and the San Fernando Valley.  

The Lockton Entertainment Division will have temporary offices at 16133 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 700 in Encino, CA 91436.  The phone number is 818-836-5801.  The new division expects to move to its permanent location in the next few months.

About Lockton

More than 4,100 professionals at Lockton provide more than 15,000 clients around the world with insurance, benefits, and risk management services, offering an uncommon level of client service. From its founding in 1966 in Kansas City, Missouri, Lockton has grown 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 three consecutive years, Business Insurance has recognized Lockton as a "Best Place to Work in Insurance."  

SOURCE Lockton Insurance Brokers, LLC