Lockton, the world’s largest privately held insurance brokerage, announced today that it has expanded its presence in California to deepen support for clients across the rapidly evolving Life Sciences sector. To drive this effort, Lockton has welcomed industry veteran Cristina Varner as Senior Vice President and Life Sciences Practice Leader for the West Region. This strategic expansion strengthens Lockton’s ability to deliver specialized advisory services and innovative risk solutions to organizations spanning Biotech, Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Nutraceuticals and more.
“Cristina’s deep experience in delivering tailored risk solutions across the Life Sciences industry will be an invaluable asset to our clients,” said Brad Zechman, U.S. Life Sciences Practice Leader. “As we pursue new opportunities in this rapidly growing market, we are thrilled to welcome a colleague with such extensive industry expertise to the team.”
Cristina is an accomplished insurance and risk management executive with more than 25 years of experience spanning the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Prior to joining Lockton, she held senior leadership roles at numerous insurance companies, brokers, and financial services firms. She holds designations as an Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and a Life Underwriting Training Council Fellow (LUTCF). She has twice been recognized as a Risk & Insurance Power Broker, and this month she was named to Insurance Business America’s 2026 Elite Women list.
“I’m excited to join Lockton and help further strengthen the specialization within our Life Sciences Practice,” said Varner. “Lockton’s client-focused approach aligns perfectly with my own values. I look forward to working with our team to deliver thoughtful, bespoke solutions to support each client’s unique needs.”
In addition to Varner, Lockton welcomes Patrick Chan, Account Executive, and Raveena Johl, Account Manager, to advise Life Sciences clients throughout the region. Both Patrick and Raveena bring robust risk experience in Life Sciences to Lockton’s growing team.
Varner, Chan, and Johl are based in California.