Marsh McLennan names new general counsel

Marsh McLennan has promoted Katherine Brennan to become senior vice president and general counsel. She reports to president and CEO Dan Glaser and joins the company’s executive committee.

In her new role, Brennan heads up Marsh McLennan’s global legal, compliance and public affairs function, which supports the company’s four businesses: Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Mercer and Oliver Wyman. She will also continue to lead the company’s ESG efforts.

Brennan was most recently general counsel for Marsh. She was previously deputy general counsel, corporate secretary and chief compliance officer for Marsh McLennan from 2017 to 2021 and, before that, general counsel of Guy Carpenter. She was named governance professional of the year (large cap) at Corporate Secretary’s 2021 Corporate Governance Awards.

Brennan succeeds Peter Beshar, who has been executive vice president and general counsel since 2004. The US Senate last week unanimously confirmed his nomination by President Joe Biden to serve as general counsel of the US Department of the Air Force.

Glaser says in a statement: ‘Kate is a remarkable leader and lawyer, who has grown throughout her career here. Her experience leading a range of complex legal, compliance and regulatory matters on behalf of the company makes her the ideal candidate for this role. We’re fortunate to have a colleague with her knowledge, integrity and commitment poised to take on this critical position.

‘On behalf of our 83,000 colleagues, I want to express my gratitude to Peter for his leadership and devotion to the company throughout nearly 20 years. Peter has embodied our commitment to advancing good and has tirelessly promoted the company’s reputation, helping us grow and thrive. He has also been a champion of ethics, strong and effective governance practices and environmental and social causes. He leaves an amazing legacy at the company. We wish him continued success as he serves the United States at a critical moment.’