Employee benefits consultancy and broker Mercer Marsh Benefits (MMB) has made a number of senior leadership appointments across several business areas, all reporting to MMB’s Head of Pacific Sarah Brown.

Ms Brown says the spate of appointments at MMB, part of Marsh McLennan, is in preparation for a “significantly altered register for people-related risks” after COVID.

“When we emerge from the pandemic, businesses will face new challenges to attract and retain top talent,” Ms Brown said.

Melbourne-based Katherine Gobbi has been appointed Head of Recovre, MMB’s occupational rehabilitation provider. Ms Gobbi was most recently CEO at life insurance and personal injury claims management business EMLife.

Perth-based Blake Gleeson takes the newly-created role of Chief Client Officer, MMB, Pacific. Mr. Gleeson joined MMB in 2019 as Leader, WA and will now develop strategic solutions across the organisation.

Melbourne-based Geoff Grace, most recently Aon’s Chief Broking Officer, Health Solutions, Asia Pacific for five years, becomes MMB’s Head of Placement, Asia and Pacific and will oversee placement strategy and develop insurer relationships.

Sydney-based Ross Pavlis, who has held senior management positions at NRMA, CGU and Allianz, takes the role of Workers’ Compensation Leader, Australia, addressing issues including an ageing workforce and legal and regulatory changes.

Mark Puskaric returns to MMB in the role of Workers’ Compensation Placement Leader, Australia after several months at Howden Australia.

In October, Aon’s People Risk Practice Client Director Steven Cakaric will join MMB as National Client Solutions Director.