Bob Mann, widely regarded as one of the industry’s leading brokers, has retired after nearly 49 years in insurance.

Mr Mann, whose most recent position was Strategic Advisor Pacific for Marsh, began as a graduate trainee in 1971 with Sun Alliance, where he worked for seven years before making the move from underwriting to broking.

After gaining experience at two boutique firms he joined broking firm Sedgwick, which was later acquired by Marsh, and held roles including placement head Pacific during a 23-year period.

Later he was Aon Australia’s chief broking officer and head of placement. He joined JLT Australia in 2013 as chairman of specialty, which saw him return to Marsh last year when the US-based broker acquired JLT.

Marsh Pacific CEO Nick Harris – who was also Mr Mann’s CEO at JLT – paid tribute to his depth of relationships with insurers and reinsurers, his skill in designing bespoke programs and associated placement strategies, and his ability to gain clients’ trust and admiration.

“Bob has contributed significantly to the industry in showing how business should be professionally transacted,” he said.