#USA #Kansas City #Data Centers #Digital Infrastructure #Lockton

Lockton's Innovative Step in Data Risk Management

In a significant move that showcases their commitment to advancing risk management solutions, Lockton, the world’s largest independent private insurance broker, has officially launched a global practice dedicated to Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure. This new advisory unit is designed to support organizations in navigating the intricate risks associated with the infrastructure that underpins global data storage, processing, and transmission.

As the digital landscape evolves rapidly, the infrastructures that support it - from hyperscale data center campuses to multi-building investments - are encountering increasingly intertwined risks. Tim Ryan, President of Lockton in the United States, emphasizes the growing complexities, stating, “Data centers form the bedrock of modern operations, and the risks associated with this infrastructure are becoming more interconnected, capital-intensive, and demanding swift responses.” He points out a critical need for advisors who understand the entire investment lifecycle, from planning and location selection to ongoing operations and scalability.

Comprehensive Risk Management Approach

The newly established practice combines risk management strategy, analytics, engineering insight, and expert market knowledge under a unified advisory model. This innovative approach delivers support across the entire industry ecosystem, including owners, operators, developers, investors, hyperscale service providers, and technology firms. Lockton's team is prepared to assist clients at each project phase - from planning, where key risk decisions are made, through construction, launch, portfolio development, and ongoing risk management.

What makes this practice particularly noteworthy is its tailored solutions for each client. By offering a suite of innovative products and proprietary solutions, the practice covers essential aspects such as construction and asset risks, professional liability, Service Level Agreements (SLA), environmental risks, cyber threats, insurance guarantees, and much more. This breadth of services allows Lockton to provide exceptional value tailored uniquely to client needs, ensuring they are equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Explosive Growth in Data Infrastructure

As highlighted by Chris Brown, Lockton International’s CEO, the global market for data centers and digital infrastructure is expanding at an astonishing pace. Lockton's independent business model enables them to harness expertise from various regions worldwide, crafting solutions that align closely with each client's operational realities. This reinforces Lockton’s position not just as a traditional insurance broker but as an industry leader in providing comprehensive advisory expertise that exceeds conventional boundaries.

Leadership in Practice Development
At the helm of the Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure practice is James Nelson in the United States, alongside Sam Baker in the United Kingdom. Both leaders will collaborate with Lockton’s global management to implement the firm’s worldwide growth strategy for this practice. Nelson brings extensive experience in risk consulting, having recently served as the global director of client collaboration at Eldin Risk and held previous roles at Marsh, Cerberus Capital, and Alvarez & Marsal. Meanwhile, Baker has spent 13 years with Lockton, advising global clients on innovative insurance solutions and playing a pivotal role in developing proprietary product offerings for the data center sector.

Ryan concludes, “Our mission is to help clients build and operate critical infrastructure - whether single projects or entire portfolios - with enhanced resilience, predictability, and operational certainty. When risks are managed proactively, organizations can minimize the time spent tackling complexities and focus more on growth and innovation.”

For further details about Lockton’s Data Centers and Digital Infrastructure Practice, visit their website. Lockton's independence sets it apart, enabling nearly 15,000 associated entities to operate across over 180 countries, prioritizing client needs in risk and insurance. This global reach ensures Lockton possesses the depth of expertise necessary to deliver exceptional outcomes for their clients.