Davies appoints president and deputy CEO for North America

July 23,2024 Davies, a UK-headquartered specialist professional services and technology company serving the insurance sector, has elevated Dhara Patel to president and deputy chief executive for North America.

The promotion coincides with the implementation of a new market strategy under North American CEO Matt Button, reflecting Davies’ significant expansion, with US dollar revenues now constituting half of the firm’s global income.

Patel, who joined Davies in 2023 after the acquisition of ACM, USIS, PGCS, and ICA, brings two decades of experience in insurance and professional services. Her career includes senior executive roles such as services segment president at Brown & Brown, where she oversaw strategic growth and service delivery, and most recently as CEO of specialty programs at Davies.

In her new role, Patel will oversee Davies’ operations and sales teams across the US and Canada, aiming to enhance the company’s service offerings in the region. She will report directly to Button, and the new structure will take effect on August 1.

“I am honored to take on this new role, and I look forward to working closely with our talented leadership team here in North America, and around the globe,” Patel commented. “It is an exciting time to be part of Davies as we continue to innovate, deliver exceptional solutions to clients, and strong organic and M&A growth.”

Patel’s leadership team will include Peter Lucas as chief executive of insurance and risk management, Ken Scott as senior vice president of growth and account management, and Don Lederer as new CEO of Davies’ expanded claims solutions unit following the integration of the claims solutions and specialty programs businesses.

“Dhara is a highly accomplished leader; she has made a big impact since joining from the Brown & Brown deal, and her experience is invaluable to our business,” stated Button. “We have a proud record of internal promotion and career development in Davies, and I am thrilled to see Dhara and Don step up into their new roles.”

Last November, Davies expanded its North American claims business by acquiring four claims and services companies from Brown & Brown. In February 2024, it snapped up Matson, Driscoll & Damico to add forensic accounting to its capabilities.