Marsh has appointed Scott Leney as Australia CEO, replacing John Clayton, who has become Pacific Region Chairman.

Mr Leney has worked for Marsh for 26 years and was appointed executive director in 2009.

Mr Clayton will now be responsible for Marsh businesses in New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, and will work with Mr Leney to shape Australian strategy. He also retains responsibility for Marsh’s SME strategy in Asia.

Both men will report to Singapore-based CEO Asia-Pacific Martin South.

“John has led the Australian business over the past five years, and has been instrumental in developing strategies and leading operational programs to keep Marsh at the forefront of the broking industry in the Pacific region,” Mr South said.

“He was the architect of Marsh’s SME growth strategy in Australia, having set up Marsh Advantage about a dozen years ago, and he established Marsh Australia’s original product and placement distribution platform.

“SMEs represent a significant growth opportunity for Marsh throughout Asia.”