Marsh appoints diversity chief and UK digital asset leader

Ankur Kacker has been appointed UK digital asset leader in the financial & professional (FINPRO) practice at Marsh JLT Specialty, and Nzinga Shaw has been named as chief inclusion & diversity officer of the wider Marsh & McLennan Companies (MMC).

Based in London, Kacker will be responsible for developing new insurance solutions for digital assets such as cryptocurrency. He will also continue to work closely with the business’ New York-based Digital Asset Risk Transfer (DART) team, which offers risk transfer solutions to firms operating in the areas of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and digital assets.

“Ankur has been the driving force behind many innovations in the highly specialist digital assets insurance market," said Philip Turner, specie practice leader. "Our clients will benefit significantly from Ankur’s knowledge as we continue to develop services and solutions that provide firms with the protection they require, as they increasingly take advantage of the opportunities associated with digital assets.”

Kacker added: “As greater clarity around regulatory issues continues to emerge, organisations across the business spectrum – from large financial institutions to technology providers – are making significant investments to capitalise on opportunities using blockchain technology and digital assets.”

Shaw most recently served as Starbucks Coffee Company’s global chief inclusion & diversity officer. Prior to that, she was the chief diversity & inclusion officer for the Atlanta Hawks, the first role of its kind in the National Basketball Association.

Carmen Fernandez, MMC's chief people officer, said: “Last year, we committed to several actions to create change within Marsh & McLennan, including strengthening our I&D measurement metrics and reporting, developing a leadership program for Black colleagues, and implementing unconscious bias, allyship and inclusive leadership training for every leader. Ms. Shaw will accelerate these efforts and actively bring all colleagues fully into the life and work of our company, with accountability and transparency.”

Shaw commented: "Marsh & McLennan has a long history of developing I&D thought-leadership and providing clients with solutions that are critical components for future organizational success. I am proud to join the organization and work with a talented team of leaders to cultivate a culture of inclusion that fosters different points of view and empowers diverse colleagues.”

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