Sarah Downey, one of the leading D&O and executive risk claims and coverage expert, has joined Lockton to lead Executive Risk Claims. An industry pioneer in creating risk transfer solutions for clients, Downey will also bolster the firm’s expertise in the blockchain risk advisory space.
“For the past seven years, Sarah has gained enormous credibility and the unequivocal trust of her clients and insurers in resolving some of the most complex D&O and executive risk claims,” said Devin Beresheim, Specialties Leader at Lockton. “In addition, Sarah’s drive for the continued adoption and development of blockchain technology and digital assets along with her sincere passion for helping those in the ‘crypto’ space obtain the necessary insurance protections to help them continue to grow, make her an invaluable addition to the Lockton family and to our clients.”
Downey most recently served as Managing Director, U.S. D&O Product Leader and Digital Asset Risk Transfer (DART) Leader for Marsh’s FINPRO Practice, based in New York. She also served as a senior claims advocate for complex claims at Marsh. Before joining Marsh in 2014, Downey spent nearly a decade as an associate in the D&O Insurance practice groups of prominent coverage firms, including White & Williams LLP and Edwards, Angell, Palmer & Dodge LLP. She is a frequent speaker at D&O and blockchain events, commenting on coverage and legal trends as they relate to the emerging risks companies face.
“There is powerful momentum at Lockton,” noted Said Taiym, Lockton’s U.S. Chief Operating Officer. “We continue to attract top tier industry talent. Sarah joining a leading Executive Risk practice is just one of many examples where we continue to build unparalleled expertise on behalf of our clients.”
As the blockchain risk advisory leader, Downey will continue to build out Lockton’s team of experts who advise clients and place coverage for blockchain companies, including cryptocurrency exchanges, banks working with digital assets, blockchain services advisors, and other emerging companies in this dynamic, fast-growing space.
“I am thrilled to join Lockton and to contribute to the company’s growth trajectory,” said Downey. “Being part of a team with a global footprint whose clear priority, as an uncommonly independent company, is to serve clients will be a refreshing and exhilarating next chapter.”