Innovative broker John Clayton announced his retirement last week after 28 years with Marsh and predecessor Sedgwick.

Mr Clayton was appointed Chairman of the Marsh Pacific region’s board in January this year after a five-year spell as Pacific head and CEO Australia.

CEO Asia-Pacific Martin South says the outgoing Chairman’s approach to business set a benchmark for other brokers. 

“John’s contributions to the business have been extensive and he has proven himself to be an innovator, courageous in being willing to challenge norms, and successfully identifying opportunities for Marsh to grow in the SME space,” Mr South said.

Mr Clayton was responsible for the creation of MCIA – now Marsh & McLennan Agency, one of the first mid-market and SME electronic placement facilities in any broking house. Mr South describes the operation as a true breakthrough.

He also created a new revenue stream via Marsh Advantage in 2002, which introduced the concept of authorised representatives working within the Marsh organisation.

While CEO Mr Clayton was responsible for Project Endeavour, which introduced a new operating model, culminating in the creation of Marsh Client Operations.

 “John will leave behind him numerous positive legacies, but for many of us it is his role as mentor, adviser, confidant and friend that will be most sorely missed,” Mr South said.

Mr Clayton will step down at the end of the year. Marsh’s new structure and reporting lines have yet to be announced.