Outgoing JLT Australia and New Zealand CEO Leo Demer says he’s proud of his role in transforming the company’s culture.

As reported in a Breaking News bulletin last week, Mr Demer will be succeeded on January 1 by Deputy CEO and CEO Specialty Nick Harris.

Mr Demer will remain “an integral part” of JLT as Senior Adviser to Group CEO Dominic Burke, while also assuming the role of Executive Chairman of the crucial Public Sector division.

He has spent 32 years with JLT, including 10 years as CEO, and says the strong culture of the business is his proudest achievement.

“It really is a place where people want to work and want to stay,” he told insuranceNEWS.com.au. “There is no politics; we are always talking and nobody is playing games. A lot of my people would put the company before their personal interests.

“We addressed the culture and we started winning. It is a major reason for our success.”

During Mr Demer’s decade in charge, JLT Australia and New Zealand’s annual profit grew from $40 million to more than $70 million.

It is also recognised as “the undisputed market leader” in the public sector, servicing more than 500 councils across Australia.

“Five years ago JLT wasn’t recognised as a ‘real player’ in Australia’s corporate broking landscape,” Mr Demer said.

“Today, I am proud to say that, with dedication, unmatchable industry knowledge and the best people in the industry, JLT has become one of the leading specialty brokers in Australia, representing 13 of the top 50 companies on the Australian stock exchange.”

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,” he said.

The current Public Sector Executive Chairman, Stephen Penfold, will retire on January 5.