Mercer, a subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, has appointed Jane Barker, CBE, as Chair of its UK Board. An executive board member at Mercer since 2010 and the current Chairman at sister company Marsh Ltd, she was selected for her extensive board experience and her considerable knowledge of Mercer and the business environment within which it operates. Ms Barker replaces Sir Peter Middleton who will retire at the end of July.
Ms Barker is CEO of Equitas Limited*, a position she has held for the past seven years, having served as its Finance Director since 1995. Previously, she was Chief Operating Officer of the London Stock Exchange. She has been Chairman of Marsh Limited, part of Marsh McLennan Companies and sister company to Mercer, since July 2013. Currently the Deputy Chairman of Council of the Royal College of Music, she also sits on the Chapter of Salisbury Cathedral where she chairs the financial advisory group. Ms Barker was recently appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), for services to the financial and insurance industries and for her voluntary services.
Fiona Dunsire, Mercer’s UK CEO, commented: “We are delighted that Jane, our first female board member, has agreed to take on the role of Chair. She will, as part of her new role, also lead Mercer’s remuneration and audit committees. Jane is already very familiar with Mercer, and brings with her a wealth of business knowledge, drawn from a diverse range of high-profile positions, from which we will benefit.
“On behalf of the Board and everyone at Mercer, I would like to thank Sir Peter, not only for his strong leadership over his five years as Chair, but also for the dedication and commitment he has had towards shaping the strategic direction of Mercer in the UK.”
Sir Peter Middleton retires following a distinguished career with Marsh & McLennan Companies, Barclays and the Treasury. From August 2014, members of Mercer’s UK Board will include Ms Barker, Fiona Dunsire - UK CEO, Martine Ferland - Leader of Mercer’s Retirement Business in EuroPac, Dr Siobhan Martin - UK HR Director, Simon O’Regan - President for EuroPac region and Nic Williams - UK Finance Director. Mercer is currently searching for a candidate to fill the vacant non-executive director role.
Under Ms Barker’s leadership, the board will ensure Mercer’s continued impact on the most important issues facing Mercer’s clients, including managing the cost and risk of defined benefit liabilities, achieving retirement income sufficiency for employees, driving company performance through effective talent management, as well providing benefits to fit a diverse and dynamic workforce.
Notes to Editors
*Equitas, based in London, was established in September 1996 to reinsure and run-off the 1992 and prior years' non-life liabilities of Names, or Underwriters, at Lloyd's of London.
About Mercer
Mercer is a global leader in talent, health, retirement, and investments. Mercer helps clients around the world advance the health, wealth, and performance of their most vital asset – their people. Mercer’s more than 20,000 employees are based in 42 countries and the firm operates in more than 130 countries. Mercer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies (NYSE: MMC), a global team of professional services companies offering clients advice and solutions in the areas of risk, strategy, and human capital. With over 55,000 employees worldwide and annual revenue exceeding $12 billion, Marsh & McLennan Companies is also the parent company of Marsh, a global leader in insurance broking and risk management; Guy Carpenter, a global leader in providing risk and reinsurance intermediary services; and Oliver Wyman, a global leader in management consulting. For more information, visit www.mercer.com. Follow Mercer on Twitter @MercerInsights.
