Lockton, a global risk management and employee benefit consulting firm that recently opened offices in Detroit and Birmingham, has formed an alliance with Detroit’s Birwood Services Group in an effort to service multinational, complex businesses and underrepresented communities.
Birwood is a certified minority business enterprise insurance brokerage.
“The insurance industry must evolve to become more diverse,” says Brian Roberts, Lockton’s chief diversity officer. “Our partnership with Birwood is part of our commitment to shape the trajectory of the insurance industry from a diversity perspective, create opportunities for underrepresented populations, and make a lasting impact in our communities.”
The partnership will provide end-to-end solutions including risk management, benefits and human capital consulting, and business succession planning. It will also help companies with their corporate social responsibility goals and supply chain diversity initiatives.
Lockton has experts in actuarial service, compliance, and claims management. Birwood will continue to grow its team, creating career opportunities for diverse populations across the country in the insurance brokerage industry.
“Birwood and Lockton share the same entrepreneurial spirit and passion for service, creating a perfect match,” says Elaine Coffman, president of Lockton Michigan. “While we are not the first to partner with a diverse broker, I am confident our alliance is unrivaled in our industry.”
The Birwood name was inspired by Detroit’s Birwood Wall, built in 1941 along Eight Mile Road. A former landmark for segregation, today it is painted to celebrate civil rights leaders and stands as a symbol of progress. The Birwood team chose the name to acknowledge history, recognize progress, and as a commitment to breaking barriers in the financial services and insurance industries.
“When clients work with us, they benefit from a minority-owned partner with the freedom to do what’s right for their business while also drawing on the global resources of Lockton to deliver results,” says Ken Hurtt, CEO of Birwood. “In addition to our industry expertise, we are dedicated to helping connect other MBEs (minority business enterprises) to new opportunities. We are thrilled to form this partnership and look forward to creating opportunity for years to come.”
Lockton is privately owned and has 8,000 associates doing business in more than 125 countries.
Birwood develops risk management, benefits, and human capital programs.
