Marsh luminary John Richardson has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the Queen’s Birthday honours list.

He is recognised for his services to business, particularly the insurance industry, and the community.

Mr Richardson was CEO of Marsh Australia from 1994 to 2000 and remains a senior corporate adviser to the company. He also serves as chairman of the Marsh & McLennan Companies advisory board.

He twice served as president of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance and the Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand.

He was part of the team that returned ANZIIF to a sound financial footing, repaying borrowings, and told insuranceNEWS.com.au he is particularly proud of the institute’s reach across Australia/New Zealand and into Asia.

Mr Richardson’s community interests include serving on the board of the Fred Hollows Foundation and he was a founding councillor of the Australia Business Arts Foundation.

Suncorp Chairman Ziggy Switkowski has been made an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to the community, particularly tertiary education, scientific organisations, telecoms, business and the arts.