Marsh, the world’s leading insurance broker and risk adviser, has appointed Jonathan Ballard as the jewellers’ block specialist in the London office of its Specie Practice, which delivers insurance services and advice concerning the insurance of valuable property such as diamonds, precious metals, art and cash. Mr Ballard will be responsible for generating new business opportunities for Marsh in the jewellers’ block market worldwide.

Mr Ballard, who joins from SBJ Global Risks where he was a Divisional Director, specialises in designing insurance programmes and delivering risk management advice to wholesale and retail diamond dealers. He has seven years’ experience in placing jewellers’ block business in the Lloyd's and the international insurance market.

Welcoming Mr Ballard to Marsh, Philip Turner, Specie Practice Leader at Marsh, said: “In times of recession, theft in the diamond and jewellery sector tends to increase. For example, organised criminals will try to capitalise on the darker side of human nature by exploiting employees with financial worries. Jonathan's experience in this very niche and challenging area of business will be a great asset to our clients seeking advice on the appropriate insurance protection they should have in place, as well as risk avoidance measures they should be taking to minimise their losses.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr Ballard said: “Marsh has an excellent reputation for jewellers’ block across the major retail and wholesale markets. Leveraging Marsh’s global expertise, I look forward to helping our clients address the new risks facing their organisations and deliver the risk and insurance solutions they need to foster and protect their success.”