Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) Australia and New Zealand CEO Leo Demer will take up a new global advisory role within the group in January and be replaced by his deputy, Nick Harris.

JLT says Mr Demer will remain “an integral part” of the company as Senior Adviser to Group CEO Dominic Burke.

He will also take on the local role of Executive Chairman of the Public Sector Division following the retirement of Stephen Penfold on January 5.

Mr Demer joined JLT Australia in 1985 and has been CEO for 10 years. In a note to staff this morning announcing the change, Mr Burke thanked him for his “pivotal role” in building the Australian and New Zealand businesses.

Mr Harris, currently Deputy CEO and CEO Specialty, will begin his new role from January 1.

Mr Demer says he will pass the CEO role to Mr Harris “with great confidence”.

“[He] has repeatedly proved himself to be an outstanding leader over the past seven years with JLT Australia and New Zealand.”

More details in our regular bulletin on Monday.