Top Marsh executive exits for rival WTW triggering leadership reshuffle

Global broker Marsh, a business of  Marsh McLennan, has picked a new president for its global specialty and placement business following the resignation of Lucy Clarke to join rival  WTW in 2024.

Pat Donnelly (pictured right) has been appointed as president, Marsh Specialty and Global Placement, effective immediately. He will continue to be based in Chicago and reports to Martin South, president and chief executive officer, Marsh.

Clarke is leaving Marsh to join WTW as president, Risk & Broking in the third quarter of 2024. She has held various leadership positions with JLT Group and Marsh throughout her 25-year career in the industry. Clarke served as the president of Marsh Specialty and Global Placement since April 2019.

Donnelly has over 25 years of experience and has led Marsh’s US business since January 2022. From 2019, he was head of Marsh Specialty for Marsh US and Canada, when JLT was acquired by Marsh McLennan, and was previously CEO of JLT Specialty US.

In his new role, Donnelly will oversee Marsh Specialty’s global business, which includes the specialties of aviation, construction, credit specialties, energy & power, financial and professional lines (FINPRO), marine & cargo, and private equities, mergers and acquisitions (PEMA). His responsibilities also include Marsh’s global placement capabilities, including for all retail and international placement hubs, Portfolio Solutions and Insurer Consulting, Climate and Sustainability, Captive Solutions, and Claims.

Michelle Sartain (pictured left) will succeed Donnelly as president of Marsh US. She will oversee Marsh’s insurance brokerage and risk advisory businesses across the country. Based in New York, she will report to South and Pat Tomlinson, CEO of Marsh McLennan US and Canada. Sartain was previously head of Marsh Specialty for the US and Canada, and has more than 25 years of experience serving in roles of increasing responsibility at Marsh.

South said: “Pat and Michelle are exceptional leaders; their appointments are a testament to the incredible talent and expertise that exists within our organisation. With their experience and leadership, our colleagues across Marsh and Marsh McLennan will be empowered to further accelerate client impact through enhanced collaboration, providing them with data-led solutions to manage risk effectively and continue to thrive.”

Donnelly said: “Clients today are facing some of the most challenging and complex risks for many generations. I am honored to lead Marsh Specialty and Global Placement at this time, to work with our colleagues globally to continue delivering on our client promises and contributing to their success.”

Sartain commented: “I look forward to leading Marsh US’s talented team, who continually strive to support our clients as they navigate today’s most pressing risk issues and increase their resilience to new and emerging shocks.”

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