Marsh McLennan names new SVP, general counsel

Marsh McLennan has appointed Katherine J. Brennan to the role of senior vice president and general counsel.

Brennan will join the company’s executive committee and report to Marsh McLennan CEO Dan Glaser. In her new role, she will lead Marsh McLennan’s global legal, compliance and public affairs function, which supports the company’s four businesses – Marsh, Guy Carpenter, Mercer and Oliver Wyman. Brennan will also continue her previous role in leading the company’s ESG efforts.

“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,” said Glaser. “We’re fortunate to have a colleague with her knowledge, integrity and commitment poised to take on this critical position.”

When Brennan first joined Marsh & McLennan Companies in 2008, she initially served as a senior corporate counsel and assistant secretary. She later served as the general counsel for Guy Carpenter in 2014, then left to fill in the role of deputy general counsel and corporate secretary at S&P Global in 2015. Brennan returned to Marsh McLennan in 2017 as deputy general counsel, corporate secretary and chief compliance officer, then later served as general counsel of Marsh LLC in 2021 – her most recent role.

Brennan succeeds Peter J. Beshar, who served as Marsh McLennan’s executive vice president and general counsel since 2004. Beshar was nominated last fall by US President Biden to serve as the general counsel of the US Department of the Air Force – a nomination which was recently unanimously confirmed by the US Senate.

“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,” said Glaser. “Peter has embodied our commitment to advancing good and 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.”