Marsh Mclennan unveils Lay as UK CEO

Marsh McLennan has announced the appointment of Chris Lay as chief executive Marsh McLennan UK, in addition to his responsibilities as chief executive of Marsh UK, effective 1 March 2023.

Lay will lead a new collaborative effort in the region to deliver innovative solutions and greater client impact at the intersections of the Company’s four businesses: Marsh, Mercer, Guy Carpenter and Oliver Wyman.

He will report to Marsh McLennan International chief executive Flavio Piccolomini. Benoit Hudon, chief executive of Mercer UK, will report to Lay and continue to report to Martine Ferland, global president & chief executive of Mercer.

“With a career of more than 30 years, Chris is a one of the firm’s most experienced leaders,” said Piccolomini. “Having held senior leadership positions in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, North America, and globally, he has a deep understanding of the challenges organisations face, as well as the wide range of Marsh McLennan’s capabilities to address them. He has already led numerous collaborative efforts across our businesses to help clients from a broad variety of sectors.”

“UK businesses face widely varied but interconnected risks, from sustained inflation to workforce challenges, and the potential failure of climate-change adaptation,” Lay added. “Our clients need a broad range of capabilities from across our businesses to tackle these challenges, and that is what we will deliver together – greater client value.”

In addition to his various regional leadership roles, Lay has also led business development for Marsh’s International Division and had global responsibility for the company’s sales function and captive solutions business. He has also served as president of Marsh Canada.