Account Executive, M&A and Private Equity Portfolio Solutions (GMAPS)

Gallagher•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Gallagher’s M&A and Private Equity and Portfolio Solutions Practice (GMAPS) is a specialized team committed to navigating the high-stakes, fast-paced world of mergers and acquisitions. The team focuses on reducing uncertainty, safeguarding value, and empowering clients to make informed decisions at every stage of the deal lifecycle. The Account Executive (AE) serves as the strategic leader for Private Equity-backed clients, acting as the primary point of contact throughout the entire investment lifecycle. This role is responsible for orchestrating the client experience, from due diligence and onboarding to renewal planning and exit strategy, while ensuring seamless coordination of internal resources to deliver impactful solutions. Operating with urgency, precision, and a client-centric approach, the AE leverages Gallagher’s comprehensive capabilities to safeguard the client’s balance sheet, optimize insurance expenditures, and support business growth. This position demands advanced technical expertise, exceptional presentation skills, and the ability to navigate complex ownership structures and dynamic risk profiles. Collaborating closely with Producers, Account Managers, and specialty teams, the AE leads intricate engagements while fostering a culture of excellence and empowering team members to execute effectively. Achieving success in this role involves maintaining, and growing a portfolio of business focused on Private Equity and Portfolio Company needs, while establishing a personal brand that aligns with Gallagher’s high-performing, collaborative, and innovative culture.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with 5+ years client service and/or claims management experience OR - High School degree/GED with 10+ years client service and/or claims management experience
Property and Casualty Insurance License

Nice To Haves

Demonstrate knowledge of Private Equity (PE) dynamics, with PE expertise considered a valuable asset.
Apply strong financial acumen, including understanding balance sheets, EBITDA, and accruals, to support client needs effectively.
Take ownership of the entire client process, acting as the quarterback to coordinate resources and ensure seamless service delivery.
Collaborate with clients to understand their values and align Gallagher’s solutions to address their specific needs, rather than imposing pre-defined offerings.
Leverage experience as a broker to negotiate coverage effectively through retail markets.
Approach renewals with a strategic mindset, recognizing the need for restructuring based on past or upcoming acquisitions.
Anticipate transitions from Guaranteed Cost (GC) to Loss Sensitive programs, ensuring proactive planning and execution.
Maintain a strong understanding of the relationship between all lines of coverage, ensuring gaps are identified and closed.
Present confidently to Private Equity firms in various contexts, including diligence reviews, deal evaluations, and prospective client meetings.
Operate with urgency and a results-driven approach to meet the demands of fast-paced environments.
Adapt to the dynamic nature of PE clients, understanding the need to remain “on” due to significant turnover within client organizations.
Exhibit flexibility in working styles to support multiple producers effectively.
Leverage strong communication and presentation skills to alleviate producers from heavy lifting during client engagements.
Conduct swift and thorough reviews of insurance programs, identifying gaps such as policy ratings, missing coverages, incorrect language, or pricing for additional coverages.
Ensure all communication is clear, concise, and impactful to drive understanding and action.

Responsibilities

Manage a dynamic desk with the capacity to handle diligence reviews and client phone calls that require immediate or same-day attention.
Provide plug-and-play solutions with minimal follow-up required from the diligence team, demonstrating a proactive and efficient approach to client needs.
Lead a team with a focus on exceptional service delivery, employing a lead-by-example mindset while effectively delegating tasks to ensure operational excellence.
Provide a 24-hour turnaround on inquiries and maintaining clear communication without unanswered emails or delays.
Proactively identify renewal restructuring opportunities based on M&A activity or performance trends, ensuring clients are positioned for success.
Work closely with diligence, claims, and specialty teams to deliver a seamless and high-impact client experience.

Benefits

Medical/dental/vision plans, which start from day one!
Life and accident insurance
401(K) and Roth options
Tax-advantaged accounts (HSA, FSA)
Educational expense reimbursement
Paid parental leave
Digital mental health services (Talkspace)
Flexible work hours (availability varies by office and job function)
Training programs
Gallagher Thrive program – elevating your health through challenges, workshops and digital fitness programs for your overall wellbeing
Charitable matching gift program